Volvo, P1900 Little Known Facts

Brand: Volvo Model: P1900

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The Volvo P1900 was first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1956.
It had a unique design that combined elements of American convertibles with Scandinavian minimalism.
The car's shape was influenced by designer Nils Eriksson, who aimed to create a futuristic look for the vehicle.
The P1900 was one of the first cars to have its engine in front of the driver and ahead of the cabin, providing better weight distribution.
Its wheelbase measured 2,400 mm (94.5 inches), with an overall length of 3,900 mm (153.5 inches).
The car had a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and could accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in approximately 24 seconds.
In 1958, Volvo sold only about 63 P1900s worldwide, with most being exported to the United States.
The car featured a patented, unique "split" rear window design that allowed for greater visibility while still maintaining an open roofline.
Due to concerns over structural integrity and safety following a series of rollovers during testing, Volvo's management decided not to pursue mass production of the P1900.
Only one P1900 is known to have been fitted with an automatic transmission, which was a rare feature in cars at that time.
The car had its engine tilted 45 degrees for better weight distribution and improved fuel efficiency.
Volvo engineers conducted experiments where they replaced various components (e.g., suspension) on the P1900 to improve its dynamics and overall performance.
Its unique rear design included a distinctive spoiler-like structure to counteract the downforce effect during high-speed driving, though this ultimately did not prove necessary for mass production.
A notable feature of the car was its adjustable pedals that allowed drivers to position their feet according to preference.
In various markets, the P1900 was marketed under different names and trim levels, such as the "P1900 Sport" in Sweden.
Volvo's designers consulted with racing driver Stirling Moss on the development of the P1900 due to his experience with high-performance vehicles.
The car had a capacity for two large suitcases, which could be stored behind the rear seats or on a folding shelf behind the front seats.
Volvo engineers experimented with different tire sizes and types on the P1900 in an effort to improve handling characteristics and overall performance.
In the mid-1950s, it was believed that the P1900's unique shape would make it appealing to the American market, but ultimately this didn't materialize due to its high price point.
The vehicle was designed with a focus on safety features that were considered innovative for its time, including crumple zones and reinforced bodywork.
Some owners of the P1900 have reported improved fuel efficiency compared to larger cars from the same period, possibly due to its streamlined shape and lightweight construction.
Due to concerns over weight distribution and structural integrity following a series of rollover incidents during testing, Volvo decided not to pursue mass production of the car.
One unusual feature of the P1900 was that it had an adjustable rear seat that could fold forward in order to create additional space for passengers or luggage.
Its dashboard featured an advanced system of gauges and meters for monitoring various aspects of engine performance and fuel efficiency.
In the context of its time, Volvo considered the P1900 to be a significant technological advancement with its combination of safety features, innovative design, and high-performance capabilities.