When it comes to iconic TV cars, few match the stature of the Volvo P1800 driven by Sir Roger Moore in the British TV series The Saint. Before Moore became a household name as James Bond, he captivated audiences as Simon Templar, a charming, charismatic agent in the popular series that aired from 1962 to 1969. While the action-packed escapades and witty dialogue kept viewers glued to their screens, Templar’s trusty car, the Volvo P1800, quickly became a star in its own right. Today, this car is not only a symbol of ’60s automotive style but also a reminder of Moore’s charm and legacy, both on-screen and off.

The Volvo P1800: A Unique Car in Television History

In the mid-1960s, Volvo wasn’t exactly known for producing the kind of flashy cars that would steal the spotlight in a crime drama. The Swedish automaker was better known for its practical and sturdy vehicles like the Volvo 444 and 544. However, in 1955, Volvo launched its first foray into sports cars with the Sport P1900, which failed to make a significant impact. Their second attempt, the Volvo P1800, released in 1961, was a vastly different and much more successful proposition.

Designed by Swedish yacht designer Pelle Petterson, the P1800 was sleek, stylish, and aggressive in a way that was unusual for Volvo at the time. The 2+2 sports car featured a front-mounted engine, a rear-wheel drivetrain, and a beautifully crafted coupe body. It was an immediate hit and quickly became a symbol of luxury and sophistication. The P1800 had everything it needed to be memorable, and little did it know that it would soon become a piece of TV history.

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Check out this video on Jay Leno’s Garage featuring the 1967 Volvo P1800 from The Saint. Watch to learn about this iconic car and its connection to the classic TV show!

From Jaguar to Volvo: The Car That Won Roger Moore’s Heart

Interestingly, Simon Templar wasn’t originally meant to drive a Volvo. According to reports, Roger Moore, who played the role of Templar, initially had his sights set on a Jaguar XK150. However, Jaguar declined to supply cars for the series, stating that they didn’t need the publicity. As fate would have it, a production manager showed Moore a magazine featuring the Volvo P1800, and Moore was immediately enamored with the car.

Moore famously declared upon seeing the P1800, “Looks better than the Jag.” His newfound admiration for the Swedish beauty led to the P1800 being selected as the car for The Saint. The decision was not just about aesthetics; it was also practical, as the P1800’s rear seat provided room for Moore’s co-stars and the car’s build made it easy to handle. It wasn’t long before the P1800 became as iconic as Moore’s portrayal of Templar himself, offering viewers a glimpse into the stylish and glamorous world of secret agents.

The Saint’s Cars: Behind the Scenes of the Production

For the show, the production team used three Volvo P1800 cars over the course of the series. The first was a U.K.-built 1962 model that was later found in a farm in North Wales in 1991. The second was a Swedish-built 1964 P1800 S, which famously blew up behind a hedge in an episode of The Saint. The third car, and perhaps the most important, was a 1967 P1800 S that Moore owned personally. This car was not only Moore’s on-screen co-star but also a car that Moore was deeply attached to.

The production crew worked meticulously to maintain and modify the cars, ensuring they were always in top condition for filming. From stunt scenes to high-speed chases, the P1800 delivered both performance and style, cementing its place in TV history. The car’s role in The Saint is considered one of the greatest examples of how a vehicle can transcend its mechanical purpose to become an integral part of a show’s identity.

Sir Roger Moore’s Ownership and Legacy

After the end of The Saint, Sir Roger Moore kept the P1800 for several years before selling it to actor Martin Benson, who played Mr. Solo in Goldfinger. The car continued to change hands over the years before finally being donated to the Volvo Museum following Moore’s death in 2017. Moore’s connection to the P1800 was significant, as it wasn’t just the car he drove on-screen; it was a part of his personal life, something that he cherished for many years.

In a fitting tribute, Volvo displayed Moore’s 1966 Pearl White P1800 S at the 2018 Techno-Classica in Essen, Germany. This marked the car’s first appearance at a classic car show in Europe, where it was celebrated as a true piece of automotive history. The car was equipped with the original Mini-Lite wheels, Hella fog lamps, and a wood steering wheel, all giving it a unique personality that reflected Moore’s own taste and charm. Even with Moore’s passing, the P1800 continues to captivate car enthusiasts, immortalizing his legacy both as an actor and an automotive enthusiast.

From Set to Museum: The Car’s Continued Fame

Although The Saint ended in 1969, the Volvo P1800’s legacy continued long after the cameras stopped rolling. Moore’s personal P1800 made a significant impact at car shows, where its classic beauty and historical significance attracted attention. The car was also featured in various documentaries, including one about Moore’s life, further embedding it in the pop culture landscape.

Today, the P1800 can be seen at the Volvo Museum, where it is part of the automaker’s rich heritage. The car’s journey from the The Saint TV show to a museum exhibit is a testament to how a well-designed car can become an icon in its own right. While its fame began on the small screen, the Volvo P1800’s continued relevance in the world of classic cars proves that its impact was far from fleeting.

Video

Don’t miss this Top Gear RETROspective video where we compare the Volvo P1800 Cyan Racing Restomod with 424bhp/tonne to the original. Watch to see how this legendary car has been transformed!

Conclusion

The Volvo P1800 driven by Sir Roger Moore in The Saint is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of 1960s cool, a piece of TV history, and a testament to Moore’s enduring legacy. From its role as Simon Templar’s trusted vehicle to its place in the Volvo Museum today, the P1800 represents the perfect blend of design, style, and performance. As automotive enthusiasts continue to admire its timeless appeal, one thing is clear: the Volvo P1800 will forever be associated with one of the most beloved figures in pop culture, Roger Moore, and the unforgettable character he portrayed on The Saint.