Meanwhile, on the MVS Facebook page... 1968 Volvo P 1800 ES Rocket

[matthew1]

1968 Volvo P 1800 ES Rocket

p1800-rocket.jpg (284.05 KiB) Viewed 1986 times

p1800-rocket-2.jpg (28.24 KiB) Viewed 1986 times

volvo_p188_es_rocket_3_20160211_1399485722.jpg (31.1 KiB) Viewed 1986 times

Volvo introduced its final P1800 variant, the 1800ES, in 1972 as a two-door station wagon with a frameless, all-glass tailgate. The final design was chosen after two prototypes had been built by Sergio Coggiola and Pietro Frua. Frua's prototype, Raketen ("the Rocket", on the right), is located in the Volvo Museum. Both Italian prototypes were considered too futuristic, and instead in-house designer Jan Wilsgaard's proposal, the Beach Car, was accepted.[10] The ES engine was downgraded to 125 bhp (92 kW) by reducing the compression ratio with a thicker head gasket (engine variant B20F); although maximum power was slightly down the engine was less "peaky" and the car's on-the-road performance was actually improved.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volvo_P1800

https://www.facebook.com/MatthewsVolvoSite

I've never known about this prototype. It's awesome!

[precopster]

I can see that the C30 may have been somebody's realised dream to resurrect this prototype. Nice design for its day.

[matthew1]

I can see that the C30 may have been somebody's realised dream to resurrect this prototype. Nice design for its day.

Volvo dropped a few teasers in the early 2000s about the upcoming C30 and its hatch design that pointed back to the P1800 ES. It was a very nice touch, but I don't think it sold any C30s. The C30 sold itself on its merits, or lost potential buyers on its merits.

Only Volvo nerds like us cared about the hatch.

See more: C30 production ends.

p1800-c30.jpg (96.68 KiB) Viewed 1959 times