THE FIRST ONES - Before Volvo became renowned for its cutting-edge safety features, the Swedish automaker ventured into the world of sports cars with the Volvo Sport P1900. Launched on June 2, 1954, this 2-seater roadster marked the company’s first foray into the realm of sports cars, setting a unique chapter in its history.
The Volvo Sport P1900, Volvo’s first sports car production. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
The concept behind the Volvo Sport P1900 was born from the observations of Assar Gabrielsson, one of Volvo’s founders, during a visit to the United States in the 1950s. Gabrielsson noticed the strong interest among Americans in compact European sports cars. Sensing an opportunity, he envisioned creating a similar model under the Volvo brand to cater to this emerging market.
Left side view of the Volvo Sport P1900. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
To bring this vision to life, Volvo collaborated with Glasspar, a California-based company known for its expertise in fiberglass body construction. This partnership led to the creation of the Volvo Sport prototype in 1954. The car featured a distinctive, compact body with a large grille and a wheelbase of 2,000 mm. It was powered by a 1.4-liter engine that produced 70 PS, paired with a 3-speed transmission. The car could reach a top speed of 155 kph, an impressive feat for its time.
Dashboard view of the Volvo Sport P1900. (Picture from: Auto-Forever)
When the Volvo Sport P1900 was unveiled, Volvo initially planned to produce 300 units, with the intention of exporting all of them. In 1956, the first batch of cars was delivered to customers in various countries, including South Africa, Brazil, Morocco, and the United States. Although the car was primarily intended for export, Volvo eventually decided to offer it in Sweden as well, after re-evaluating their marketing strategy.
Engine view of the Volvo Sport P1900. (Picture from: Autoweek)
However, the production of the Volvo Sport P1900 faced challenges from the outset. In its first year, only 44 units were produced. The following year, in 1957, an additional 23 units rolled off the production line. Despite these efforts, the car's production was short-lived. The newly appointed company director, Gunnar Engellau, determined that the Volvo Sport did not meet the company’s standards and was not financially viable. As a result, production was halted, bringing the total number of units produced to just 67.
Rear-right three quarter of the Volvo Sport P1900. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
Even though the Volvo Sport P1900 had a brief career, its legacy lives on. Of the original 67 units, 50 are known to still exist today, cherished by collectors and automotive enthusiasts. The story of the Volvo Sport didn’t end with its discontinuation. Instead, it paved the way for Volvo’s next iconic sports car, the P1800, which went on to achieve legendary status in the automotive world. | cwIF75B3Yjw |
The journey of the Volvo Sport P1900 serves as a fascinating reminder of Volvo's early experimentation with sports cars. While it may not have been a commercial success, it played a crucial role in shaping the company’s future and left an indelible mark on its history. *** [EKA [31052014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORAUTHORITY | AUTO-FOREVER | AUTOWEEK ]
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The concept behind the Volvo Sport P1900 was born from the observations of Assar Gabrielsson, one of Volvo’s founders, during a visit to the United States in the 1950s. Gabrielsson noticed the strong interest among Americans in compact European sports cars. Sensing an opportunity, he envisioned creating a similar model under the Volvo brand to cater to this emerging market.
The journey of the Volvo Sport P1900 serves as a fascinating reminder of Volvo's early experimentation with sports cars. While it may not have been a commercial success, it played a crucial role in shaping the company’s future and left an indelible mark on its history. *** [EKA [31052014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORAUTHORITY | AUTO-FOREVER | AUTOWEEK ]
