About

This blog is an attempt to summarise the restoration project of ‘Erik’ the Viking, a 1972 Volvo 1800E.

One of the last coupes with the high compression B20E engine configuration, chassis number 38415, factory RHD delivered in Sun Yellow (107) with a black interior, through Sydney Australia.

Rare, yes, but more on that later… 

My story doesn’t go back quite that far…

Back in the 90s, I saw my first Volvo P1800 and was awestruck.

As an aspiring classic car aficionado in my early twenties, I was soon in hot pursuit of all the requisite detail of this exquisite automobile. Within six months, I’d tracked down an excellent local example for sale, and without much further ado, a 1970 P1800E came under my care. Chassis number 30836, red with a black interior, in reasonably good condition, having had a previous rejuvenation in the 1980s. Together, we learned a great about driving, vehicle maintenance, and more specifically, Volvo P1800 care.

Always keen to learn and improve, I used the Internet to my advantage, and replaced various sensors, globes, mechanical and suspension components, bushes, etc. Back then, shopping options were limited, but the forums were a wealth of knowledge, and continue to be..

That P1800 and I shared a very special bond. We drove everywhere together, whenever we could, and with whomever would come along. Over ten years or so, I was never let down. I’m quite sure many other owners would have similar experience. On we rolled…

Fast-forward to 2013 and the devastating bushfires that ravaged through south-eastern Tasmania.

Our small hamlet of Connellys Marsh, near Dunalley, was approximately 50% wiped out.

Thankfully, no lives were lost, however, dealing with the loss and impact on homes was devastating…

Many of our friends in the community lost a great deal. Homes and livelihoods, lost forever..

There were also many classic cars lost in the community…Ford, Holden, Valiant, Jaguar, Austin-Healey…and Volvo.

Unfortunately, P1800 chassis number 30836 was one of them.

It was a slow process of rebuilding.

After hearing of my experience, I was contacted by several members Volvo 1800/120 club of Australia.

One of those people was the owner of Erik. We discussed his condition and mobility.

I deliberated on logistics and project funds, and things stalled for a few years… life gets busy.

Fast-forward again to 2020, and it was not long before I’d arranged a trip to Sydney to visit the ‘Wing Commander’, owner of Erik and weigh up the options. Languishing in his idle slumber, Erik was somewhat oblivious to the plans being hatched. An agreement was happily reached and it was time for him to take an unexpected journey… and that’s where our story together begins…