The 1968 Volvo 1800S in baby blue, now on display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Scandinavian automotive design. This particular example, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, combines the classic silhouette that made the P1800 famous with tasteful upgrades that enhance its driving dynamics without compromising its vintage character.
The 1800S evolved from the original P1800 coupe, which gained fame through the television series "The Saint." By 1968, the model had transitioned to Swedish production and featured a robust 2.0-liter B20 inline-four engine. This example is paired with an M41 four-speed manual transmission with overdrive, sending power to the rear wheels for a nimble yet confident driving experience. Bilstein shocks and Panasport wheels add a performance edge, while chrome bumpers, dual exhaust outlets, and a subtle aftermarket stereo retain the car's period charm.
Inside, the cockpit features a three-spoke steering wheel and classic Smiths instrumentation, including a 120-mph speedometer, a 7,000-rpm tachometer, and oil and coolant temperature gauges. The five-digit odometer shows just 31,000 miles, a rare find for a vehicle over half a century old. An added safety detail—a trunk-mounted electric fuel pump with a manual cutoff switch—offers peace of mind while preserving the car's vintage authenticity.
"The 1800S is one of those cars that's elegant without trying too hard," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "It's a driver's car, a collector's car, and a design icon all in one. And in this color, it's just a joy to look at."
This 1968 Volvo 1800S is featured among more than 200 classic and exotic vehicles, alongside 3,000 vintage toys and cultural artifacts that make the museum a destination for enthusiasts and families alike. Ron Sturgeon, the visionary behind the museum, has been a dedicated car collector for over 30 years. His passion for automobiles began in his teenage years when he taught himself to repair Volkswagens, eventually leading to a successful career in the automotive industry. From building one of the largest auto salvage operations in the country to restoring and collecting classic and exotic cars, Ron's love for all things automotive has never wavered.
The DFW Car and Toy Museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s collecting automobile toys and cars. Until recently, it was in Haltom City, TX, and its website DFW Elite Toy Museum is still the go-to source for toy and car lovers worldwide. The museum is now located in North Fort Worth at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137. (at Meacham and I35w) The new facility is 150,000 square feet with free parking & admission. It promises an entertaining visit. They offer secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events, including car clubs, board meetings etc. The museum is also dog friendly and encourages pictures. Hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 am- 6:00 pm, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
