‘Probably The Best Classic Car In The World’: Is The 1960s Volvo P1800 The Coolest Coupe Ever?
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1 day ago
The epitome of Scandinavian elegance still turns heads today
Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby discuss the classic 1960s Volvo P1800 in Copenhagen.
Review: 1960s Volvo P1800
JT-P — What’s not to like about the P1800? One of most stylish cars I’ve ever driven – and it’s not a posh Porsche or a Lamborghini!
JT — We agree on that. Amazing as it might sound now, back in the early ‘60s this Volvo was originally built at a West Midlands factory, home of British car brand Jenson. The company had no capacity at its factories in Sweden, so chose the UK.
And readers of a ‘certain age’ will recall the P1800 shot to TV stardom in a series called The Saint. The lead character was played by a certain Roger Moore, who went on to become James Bond.
Now we are showing our age! What has lasted the course of time is the effortless cool of the P1800. Sadly, that’s something missing from current car design. A remarkable sports car, although the 0–60mph time was 13 seconds – laughable compared to modern motors.
Not exactly a performance class leader but my, it is so pretty!
And uncluttered Scandi design too – a bit like our NH Collection hotel in Copenhagen, where the P1800 was often taken for photo shoots back in the sixties.
The property is right next to the river in the city centre itself. A huge glass structure, with a rooftop bar to admire views across Copenhagen. I love the fact the website says ‘dogs and cats welcome’!
Yes, brilliant! Perhaps more importantly, it’s super close to the airport and offers valet parking for your cherished classic. The vibrant district of Christianshavn is right on the doorstep, with water buses and metro stations minutes away.
The rooms are light and airy, with fabulous vistas of the Danish capital. Dine in at Nordic-flavoured Tablafina restaurant, or head out to explore the culinary delights nearby. Favourite thing to do in Copenhagen?
That’s easy – pop along to the Home of Carlsberg! The beer that once sold itself as ‘probably the best lager in the world’ now has an epic brewery tour that explores the history of Denmark too.
Which covers just about everything you need to know about beer and how it’s made too. Expect horses, hops and much more.
Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.
