The legendary Volvo P1800, which for decades held the title of the most tireless marathon runner on the road, is resurrected for a new life 53 years after it rolled off the assembly line. This time, the Swedish icon returns under the name Norrsken - the poetic name for the Northern Lights - to prove that perfect design is timeless. The project, which united the efforts of the Dutch design center Autoforma and the luminaries of the restoration from Volvo Lotte, breathes modern power into the familiar silhouette of the iconic Volvo P1800 ES from the early 70s.
Unlike the original, the Norrsken is a true technological predator in retro clothes. The body, although it has retained its classic lines, is now made entirely of lightweight carbon fiber, which drastically changes the dynamics of the car. Visually, the changes are subtle but definite – a lower stance, flared fenders that barely accommodate the modern alloy wheels, and a subtle roof spoiler. The LED optics give the car’s “look” a contemporary look without diluting the authentic spirit of 1972.
Inside the cabin, we are greeted by an atmosphere of genuine luxury and an analog feel, refracted through the prism of the 21st century. The craftsmen have opted for premium leather and Alcantara, trimmed with cool aluminum, while the new sports seats promise comfort unknown to the original model. The technological leap is emphasized by discreetly integrated multimedia with a touch screen and air conditioning system, but practicality remains at a high level - with the rear seats folded down, the trunk absorbs an impressive 1000 liters of volume.
However, the real magic lies under the hood. The outdated 1.8-liter engine with a modest 125 horsepower has given way to the iconic 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo unit, known from the “pumped“ Volvo S60 R. The power is expected to reach at least 300 horsepower, transmitted to the asphalt through a completely new transmission. To master this energy, engineers have completely transformed the suspension, steering system and installed serious braking mechanisms, turning the classic into a real “rocket“.
Naturally, such an engineering jewel cannot be a mass phenomenon. Production is strictly limited to just five units per year, which guarantees its status as a collector's rarity. The price of 300,000 euros is a serious request, but it is fully justified for a car with the genes of the most durable machine in history. We recall that it is the Volvo P1800 that holds the Guinness Book of Records with a mileage of over 5.15 million kilometers - an achievement that few modern cars could even dream of.