Once a star of highways and TV screens, this Volvo P1800 now rests quietly, slowly embraced by nature. Photo: Jamie Bell
Scandinavian Cool Finds a Rest Spot in the Northwestern Ontario Woods
Picture this: a Volvo P1800 tearing down the open road. But this isn’t just any old Volvo; it’s one of Sweden’s most stylish creations. First introduced in the early 1960s, it could easily be mistaken for an Italian sports car rather than a product of a company famous for tanks and sensible sedans. The P1800 gained fame when Roger Moore drove it as Simon Templar on the TV show The Saint. This particular car, with its original red paint mellowed into a deep purple-maroon, still shows off those signature long fenders and sleek tail fins. Even with rust spreading across the hood, the graceful lines that made it a contender against British sports cars of the era remain undeniable.
Underneath the glamorous exterior, the P1800 is pure Volvo. Its B18 or B20 four-cylinder engine is legendary for durability—so much so that one P1800 holds the Guinness World Record for the highest mileage on a non-commercial car. This car was built to be driven hard, often, and for a long time. Now, with its wheels sinking slightly into the dirt and pine trees all around, it sparks curiosity. Who drove it? Where did it travel? The tarnished chrome bumpers and side mirrors hint at a life well-lived, a past full of adventures, now quietly fading away in the wilderness.
For collectors and enthusiasts, stumbling across a P1800—even in this state—is a thrill. This car represents a striking contrast: a European sports coupe made for speed and scenic coastal drives, now slowly being reclaimed by the rugged northern landscape.
It’s a quiet, unassuming retirement for a car that once promised excitement and adventure.
Titans of the Forest
The upcoming exhibition, “Titans of the Forest,” is the culmination of a powerful six-month interdisciplinary arts and capacity-building project spearheaded by the Art Borups Corners collective. This initiative, made possible by seed funding from the Ontario Arts Council Multi and Inter-Arts Projects program, represents a significant collaboration for our artists and programs. Working closely with key partners—the Dyment Museum, The Arts Incubator Winnipeg, and the Local Services Board of Melgund—the exhibition is set to debut a compelling series of photo and multimedia works. These pieces offer an artistic and historical look at the region, celebrating the history, and the powerful role of these industrial giants in shaping the local landscape and memory.
About the Author
