10k: 1962 Volvo P1800 w/Ford V8

 If you’ve ever asked yourself “What the would the world have been like if Caroll Shelby (God rest his soul) had been born in Sweden instead of Texas?” Would his name have been Caroll Stiggy? While we'll never know for sure, the progeny of that daydream might look something like what just popped up on Ebay in the form of this chili-red 1962 Volvo P-1800 for sale in Miami, FL via ebay bidding at $8,000 reserve-not-met.

This P-1800 might have left Trolhatten    Gothenburg during the Cuban Missle Crisis expecting to spend its entire useful mechanical life toting a pipe-smoking philosophy professor from Woodstock to Vassar every morning, or toting Roger Moore around while he polished his acting creds as The Saint, but its fortunes have been altered by the same formula that allowed that Chicken-Farmer, turned snake-charmer to succeed on the street and track, by giving it a healthy injection of a good ole 'Merican V8

There's be no replacement for displacement and we at DT certainly love a good engine swap, especially when it  causes this P1800 to be transformed into a P5000.  We are also mindful that a little advance planning can be the difference between a well balanced performer and an uruly, overheating, handful.

In this instance, this car appears to be thoughtfully executed.   A peak at the engine compartment indicates everything is where it should be, with a fair amount of fresh air cooling around the 5.0, expect around 300-350 horsepower depending on internal engine component selection from the seller.

 The pictures are decent and plentiful, showing a well sorted interior and a better-than-Scheib paintjob. 
And..the owner seems forthcoming with an offer to supply more pictures upon request, which is always a good sign. The stance is right, the wheel wells are packed and the absence of bumpers keep the lines clean.

 While we'd rather row our own, the automatic might actually offer one more time to keep it pointed straight in the event the tail happens to step out...just a little.  The interior looks to be in great shape with nice accents like red piping on the seats and an aftermarket but period correct steering while.

Better still, it’s smog exempt if you can manage the freight from FL to CA, or it’s a great get away car if you’re in the unfortunate path of Sandy this weekend.   Either way, this one deserves a second look for anyone serious about well motivated Swedes.  Enjoy this one while we keep combing the internet for elusive reverse rotation Northstar powered Corvair.

Article written by DT Special Guest Author: The Berg.

 
Find another Caroll Stiggy special? email us here:  tips@dailyturismo.com