In the late 1950’s Helmer Petterson, the mind behind the successful Volvo PV444, led the engineering team toward constructing the company’s first sportscar. An inherently practical Frua design, the P1800 was made famous on the television series “The Saint”, starring Roger Moore.

Originally built by Jensen with a carburetor 1.8L engine and bodies by Pressed Steel in Scotland, the 1800 (P1800, later 1800S) saw production shift to Sweden due to quality issues. In 1969 the four-cylinder engine was increased to two liters, and by 1970, a new D-Jetronic injection system was adopted across the model range until the final year of the 1800, 1973, when only an elongated shooting brake version (1800ES) was offered.

This particular car left off the factory in September of 1970 and was sold in the United States as a 1971 model. Finished in Steel Blue, this 1800E comes with the rare factory Borg Warner 35 automatic transmission option, as well as air conditioning and an aftermarket carburettor conversion.

A rare combination of options, colours and restoration quality, this car has taken decade and a half to find, and it is not for sale. The aim is to improve it gradually and drive it daily, as Dubai’s coolest company car.