1961 Volvo P1800 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Volvo 1800 P1800 1961 is approximately 1130 kilograms (2491 pounds), which is the car's weight without passengers or cargo but with all necessary fluids. Its maximum weight capacity, including passengers and cargo, is around 1400 kilograms (3086 pounds). This relatively light weight contributes to the car's agile and responsive driving experience.

This model has a ride height or ground clearance of 155 mm (approximately 6.1 inches). This low clearance enhances stability and aerodynamics but implies careful driving over uneven terrain or speed bumps to avoid undercarriage contact.

The Volvo 1800 P1800 1961 features rims sized at 4.5J x 15, paired with tires sized 165/80 R15. This setup suits the car's classic dimensions and contributes to its handling characteristics, offering a balance between road grip and ride comfort.

Given the Volvo 1800 P1800's dimensions — 4400 mm (173.2 inches) in length, 1700 mm (66.9 inches) in width, and 1285 mm (50.6 inches) in height — it fits comfortably within a standard single-car garage. Typical garage dimensions allow for clearances beyond these measurements, ensuring easy parking and maneuvering inside most residential garages.

The Volvo 1800 P1800 1961 occupies the medium-size coupe category of its time. Compared to other sports coupes from the early 1960s like the Jaguar E-Type or Mercedes-Benz 230 SL, it is slightly shorter and narrower. For example, the Jaguar E-Type is longer and wider, emphasizing a grand touring appeal, while the Volvo prioritizes a more compact and agile design for sporty handling.

The Volvo 1800 P1800 was an entirely new model introduced in 1961 and didn’t have a direct predecessor model in the same segment. It marked Volvo’s first true sports coupe, designed to combine style, performance, and the renowned Volvo safety standards, so a direct size comparison to prior models isn’t applicable.

Despite its relatively compact exterior dimensions (4400 mm long, 1700 mm wide), the Volvo 1800 P1800 1961 offers a snug but ergonomically designed interior, typical of 2-seat coupes from the era. Its height of 1285 mm allows for a low-slung seating position, enhancing the sporty feel, but it is best suited for driver and one passenger with moderate headroom and legroom.

The Volvo 1800 P1800 1961 was designed to appeal to enthusiasts looking for a stylish and sporty coupe with reliability and safety, positioning itself as a grand touring car rather than a pure sports car. Its production from 1961 to 1963 targeted markets interested in distinctive European design with Swedish engineering durability.

While the Volvo 1800 P1800 1961 was advanced for its time, its classic construction and technology may make daily driving less practical compared to contemporary vehicles. However, its lightweight design and compact dimensions offer nimble handling for urban and scenic drives. Enthusiasts often use it for leisure, shows, or weekend driving rather than typical daily commuting.