Volvo P1900
Volvo's first attempt at a sports car, featuring a glass-fibre reinforced polyester body.
- Power
- 70 bhp
- Top speed
- 93 mph
- Est. value
- $60k–$110k
About the Volvo P1900
The Volvo P1900, officially known as the Volvo Sport, was the company's first foray into the sports car market, inspired by the Chevrolet Corvette. It utilised a glass-fibre body mounted on a tubular steel chassis, powered by a twin-carburettor version of the PV444's B14A engine. Production was halted after just one year when Volvo's new CEO, Gunnar Engellau, drove one and found the quality and rigidity to be below the brand's standards. Despite its commercial failure, it paved the way for the significantly more successful P1800.
Volvo P1900 specs
The Volvo P1900 produces 70 bhp (52 kW) and 103 Nm (76 lb-ft) of torque. It has a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h).
| Make | Volvo |
|---|---|
| Model | P1900 |
| Trim | 1.4 |
| Years | 1956–1957 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | Sweden |
| Production | About 68 built |
| Original price | About $3,600 when new |
| Engine | 1.4-litre inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,414 cc (1.4 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 70 bhp (52 kW) at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 103 Nm (76 lb-ft) |
| Top speed | 93 mph (150 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 969 kg (2,136 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 72 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Volvo P1900 worth?
A typical Volvo P1900 is estimated to be worth $60,000 – $110,000 (about £45,000 – £82,000).
Its original price when new was about $3,600.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Volvo P1900 rarity in CarSpot
The Volvo P1900 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Volvo P1900 fun facts
- The project was cancelled after Volvo's CEO took a P1900 for a weekend drive and was so disappointed by the build quality that he ordered production to cease immediately.
- While 67 cars were originally thought to have been built, Volvo later confirmed the total was 68, plus four or five prototypes.
- The body was designed and initially manufactured by Glasspar in California, a pioneer in glass-fibre boat and car construction.