Volvo P1800 Tire Pressures

• The ideal Volvo P1800 tire pressure is 26/33 PSI.
• To find the ideal tire pressures to match your car's year, model, and chosen tires follow the link to our Volvo P1800 Tire Pressure Guides.

• For Volvo P1800 base models, the 1800S, and the 1800E longstone recommends the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67.
• For the Volvo P1800ES longstone recommends the 185/70 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36.

Volvo P1800 Tires

Volvo P1800 1961–1963

Our 1963 Dunlop fitment guide suggests that in its inaugural year (1961), some or all P1800 models were fitted with 155R15 tires. If you have a 1961 model and desire 155R15 tires we recommend the 155 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67. An excellent alternative could be found in the 155HR15 Michelin XAS FF.

After the first year of production Volvo Switched to fitting 165 R15 tires. In this size we recommend the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67. The 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™; CA67 was the original tire fitted to most of the Volvo P1800 models. In Roger Moore's 'The Saint', the Iconic 1800 S driven by the title character is, of course, sporting 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67 tires.

Although 1961 models initially fitted 155 R15 tires, we may suggest fitting a 165 R15 instead. Considering that the 155-R15 size was soon replaced after the first year, it suggests that Volvo found the 165 R15 size to be better suited for the P1800, however for those seeking historical originality the 155 R15 CA67 is available.

Volvo 1800S 1963–1970

In 1963 production of the P1800 moved from West Bromwich England to Gothenberg Sweden, this change was reflected in the designation 'S'. The 1800 S was also fitted with 165R15 tires. We recommend the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO ™ CA67. The 165 R15 Michelin XAS would provide an excellent alternative to the CA67 if the CA67 is not available, or for those that prefer French to Italian rubber.

Volvo 1800E 1970–1972

The Volvo 1800E was introduced in 1970, the 'E' designation denotes the fuel injection system used in the model. 165 R15 tires were also used on this variant. Again, the CA67 is our recommendation, being both the ideal tire, and remaining an excellent value tire when considering the tire's pedigree and build quality.

Volvo 1800ES 1972–1973

The Volvo 1800ES was an estate variant released in 1972, and was the sole model produced in 1973. The Volvo 1800ES fitted 185/70R15 tires. In this size the 185/70 WR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 stands out as the best classic tire.

The year 1952 was a watershed moment in the automotive tire industry with the launch of the PIRELLI CINTURATO™ CA67 by Pirelli. This tire was not just another addition to the market; it was a radical innovation, the very first radial tire that catered specifically to the burgeoning sports car segment. With its 'S' speed code, the CA67 was a testament to Pirelli's vision, enabling cars to safely reach speeds of up to 180 km/h, a feat that was unparalleled at the time.

The name CINTURATO™ itself, Italian for "belted," hinted at the technological leap this tire represented. Its construction featured a textile belt within its radial structure, significantly enhancing the tire's stability. This innovation not only prevented unwanted deformations during demanding driving conditions but also dramatically improved grip. The CA67's design allowed sports cars to maintain tire integrity and tread wear, reducing it by over half compared to the then-standard cross-ply tires.

What truly set the CA67 apart was its distinctive tread pattern. Comprised of ribbed elements, interspersed with four longitudinal grooves, and complemented by a deeply cut shoulder alongside extensive siping, this design was pivotal for the tire's acclaimed progressive handling characteristics. It was the tire's rounded shoulders that particularly enhanced this effect, providing a buffer against sudden loss of grip and ensuring a smoother transition while cornering, which was crucial for high-speed maneuvers.

Such features made the CA67 the preferred choice among elite car manufacturers, professional racing drivers, and rally enthusiasts, who valued both performance and reliability. The tire's compatibility with sports car dynamics meant that it was soon adopted by some of the world's most prestigious car brands, such as Ferrari, Maserati, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, and Lotus.

The legacy of the CINTURATO™ CA67 continues as Pirelli maintains its production to serve the classic cars of the '50s and '60s. By doing so, Pirelli ensures that the vintage car enthusiasts can still experience the authentic driving sensation these cars were designed to deliver, underlined by the same tire technology that revolutionized sports car performance decades ago.

Volvo P1800 Innertubes

Our period tire fitment guides suggest that the P1800, 1800S, and 1800E fitted tube-type wheels and innertubes. They also suggest that the 1800ES fitted tubeless wheels, meaning innertubes are optional for these wheels rather than compulsory.

Whether you have the 1961 base model with 155R15 tires, an 1800 S or E variant with 165 R15 tires, or the the ES with 185/70R15 tires, the ideal Volvo P1800 innertube is the Michelin 15E. In our extensive experience selling, fitting, and driving classic cars, we have found that Michelin's tubes are reliably of the highest quality, as such we have no issues in recommending them as our tubes of choice.

In the late 1960s, the automotive world witnessed a significant innovation with the launch of the PIRELLI CINTURATO™ CN36 tire by Pirelli. This marked a significant shift towards low-profile, performance-based tire design. Developed in collaboration with prominent sports cars of the era, such as the Fiat Dino and the iconic Porsche 911, the CN36 was a trailblazer in high-performance tire technology.

The CN36 was distinctive for its 70% profile, a stark contrast to the full-profile tires commonly used at the time. Its design was a response to the burgeoning demand for a tire that could provide the handling prowess required by the increasingly powerful and agile sports cars. This tire was not only recognized for its performance but also became the preferred upgrade for car enthusiasts looking to enhance their vehicles' driving dynamics.

Crafted with a rounded carcass, the CN36's design was pivotal in offering progressive steering, a crucial factor for the high-performance sports cars of the '60s and '70s. This innovative feature ensured that the handling characteristics of these classic cars were not only maintained but enhanced. The tire's design allowed for a seamless transition from full-profile to low-profile tires, ensuring that performance was not compromised in the pursuit of advanced tire technology.

Endorsed by Porsche and homologated for their classic models, the CN36 became a staple for Porsche enthusiasts, reflecting its seamless compatibility and desirability. Its dimensions, particularly the 185/70VR15 size, offered a viable low-profile alternative to the traditional 165R15 size, broadening its appeal to owners of various sports cars, such as the TR4, TR5, TR6, Volvo P1800, and MGC, including various Austin Healey models.

Volvo P1800 History

The Volvo P1800 is a car that stands out not just for its stylish design but also for its significant place in automotive history. It was initially introduced in 1961 without a specific letter designation and was simply known as the P1800. The car showcased Italian-influenced styling by Pelle Petterson and began its production journey in the United Kingdom, where Pressed Steel Company made the bodies and Jensen Motors handled the final assembly in West Bromwich. This collaboration between Swedish planning, Italian design, and British manufacturing resulted in a car that was internationally renowned and celebrated for its unique aesthetic and reliable performance.

By 1963, the production of the P1800 encountered changes. Quality control issues with Jensen led to Volvo moving the assembly to its Lundby Plant in Gothenburg, Sweden, thus the model was renamed to 1800S, with 'S' denoting Sverige (Sweden). This move also marked the discontinuation of the 'P' prefix from the original P1800. The 1800S saw an increase in power with engine improvements that added an additional 8 hp, and later on, an updated B20 engine in 1969 that boosted power to 118 hp, with a displacement increase to 2.0 litres.

The evolution of the P1800 continued with the introduction of the 1800E in 1970, which featured a fuel-injection system (denoted by the 'E' for Einspritzung, meaning fuel injection in German), with the B20E engine and Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection, taking power up to 130 bhp. This model also received considerable updates including an improved ventilation system, a matte-black grille, four-wheel disc brakes, and optional aluminum alloy wheels.

In 1972, the 1800ES, a sporty wagon variant, was introduced, offering a fresh take on the car's rear design, transforming it into a more practical vehicle without losing its sports appeal. The 1800ES was produced for two model years and was the only version produced in 1973, marking the end of the P1800 series production.

The P1800's engine was robust and reliable, starting with the B18 engine that featured dual SU carburettors and later moving to the more powerful B20 engine. Transmission options included the M40 and M41 gearboxes, with the latter offering an optional overdrive that effectively gave the 1800 series a fifth gear, improving fuel efficiency and decreasing drivetrain wear.

Aside from its mechanical prowess, the P1800 gained fame on the silver screen. It was featured in the television series "The Saint," where the lead character Simon Templar, played by Roger Moore, drove a P1800, which helped to solidify the car's iconic status.

The P1800 is a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, durability, and design. It's as durable, practical, and tractable as every other car the company has made, all while being drenched in beautiful, head-turning design.

Today, the P1800, particularly the 1800S and 1800E models, are considered collectible classics, with well-maintained examples appreciating in value. The Volvo P1800 not only made a significant impact in the automotive world but also became a cultural icon, capturing the hearts of car enthusiasts around the globe.