Date: Thu, 05 Apr 2001
Hi Glenn,
I have a question or two that a number of websites have answered incompletely regarding 1963 Jensen P1800 and 1800S models. I have read from one site that chassis numbers between 6000 and 8000 were Jensen P1800 models that were simply assembled in Sweden and still carried all the characteristics of the '61 and '62. Others have stated that 6000 was the start of the 1800S.
Did all 1800S models have amber front parking lenses? Do any 1800S models have the color Volvo emblem between rear and back glass?
I'm asking because I am going to pick up a 1963 1800 with a yet-unknown chassis number with clear/white parking lenses and the color emblem present. The car has its original moon style caps and I'm trying to find out if this is a retro-fitted 1800S or a late P1800. I'm going to need another 1800 while my '71 1800E gets its top removed. I'm in the greater DFW area and would love to see a get-together, perhaps this summer. I don't know if the support is there for a "club" again, but a yearly meet at a park (or a Sonic restaurant?) would be a day's worth of fun. Thanks for reading.
Rob
Rob - As in life, there are no simple answers to these questions. Starting with chassis number 6000, the P1800 was assembled in Sweden from parts produced in various countries including England, Sweden, Germany and the US. Also starting with number 6000, the car became known as the 1800S in many publications and in insignia on the car itself. However, in shop manuals and parts books, the car was known as the "P 1800 S."
Four alternatives are listed for the front parking light lenses, including two different all-white lenses, an amber lens with a white section, and a solid amber lens. Many older amber-and-white lenses have faded over time and look completely white. This can be seen by removing the bezel and lens and examining the parts that are protected from the sun.
Roughly, the white lenses came on cars with chassis numbers up to about 6100, but there are several exceptions listed in my parts book. The only way to determine which lenses are correct for your car would be to compare the chassis number with the listings in the parts book. Cars with chassis numbers 25,500 and above all were fitted originally with amber lenses.
The C-post emblem and "Volvo" script were originally fitted on chassis numbers up to and including 6177, except for chassis numbers 6142, 6144, 6146, 6148-6152, 6173 and 6174. This means that 167 "S" cars had the emblem.
As you can see, Volvo did not always make changes according to model year or model name. The only way to determine accurately what equipment was originally installed on a car is to look up the parts in a Volvo parts book. And even then, allowance must be made for errors.
You're the second person in the past week who has indicated an interest in a local meet. I'd like to attend one myself, but having organized them before, I'm not prepared to put that much work into it now. The Texas Chapter of the Volvo Club of America has four meetings a year in various locations around the state. It's about time for them to have one in our area. Keep an eye on their web page: http://www.texasvolvoclub.com. -Glenn.