This Volvo P1800 Is A Watchmaker's Design Cue
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- Опубликовано: 6 апр 2015
- John Patterson doesn't live in a typical city, in a typical state…and he certainly doesn't drive the typical car. On the Hawaiian island of Kauai, 105 miles northwest of O'ahu, Patterson designs and builds watches. He also owns a Volvo P1800.
He also drives to and from his workplace-if you can call it that-on a 58 mile-long 'U'-shaped road that goes nowhere. "There's nowhere to go, so having a car is not a way to express your independence and how you're going to leave and go out on the open road to have an adventure," Patterson says, "You're really just going to drive it around…and then go home the same way you went."
Owning a vintage vehicle on the island presents its own set of challenges: there are no mechanics for vintage cars, no dealerships, and to get any part-no matter how small-depends on it making its way to Kauai. Patterson does all of the work on the P1800 himself.
It looks great, sounds great, and looks far nicer than it is-but the P1800, he says, is a modest classic. "It's not expensive, it's a Volvo."
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Ah! He perfectly described why I drive an old car, wear an old watch and subscribe to this channel!
I know exactly how you feel! I wear a 98 year old swiss crelia silver trench watch, I drive a 42 year old triumph toledo and I'm only 24! There's just more interest, more story, more human connection and because of all those things more personal value! I value what others before me have put time into creating and therefor feel I need to put the effort in to keep the legacy going in my own way.
IsadoreWoW Yep, only I'm 19 so I sometimes feel a little unworthy of my 44 year old Lancia, but well said!
Alfred Munkenbeck exactly, i love the stories that come with old cars...
Alfred Munkenbeck which model? fulvia?
Adam Othman yep!
"There's appeal in the flaws." Yup. This has to appeal to anybody who is drawn to classic cars. There's limited charm in perfection.
A few things:
1. YES.
2. I want to get a beer with this guy
3. That closing shot was BEAUTIFUL
Another masterpiece from Petrolicious!
Aloha Chris - thanks - I'm always down for a beer. And that last shot was kinda special because we did it with my cheap DJI Phantom 1 drone and $50 gimbal (and Jeremy's very nice 4K GoPro)..but I thought it came out great. Thanks for all the kind comments everyone!
Bathys Hawaii I've never been, but if I'm ever planning a trip to Hawaii I'll be sure to let you know!
Bathys Hawaii you have a great great car. Congrats! Keep going mate
I would buy his watch
Chris..i will get the next round..being a watch and a car guy i will have to talk this fine fellows ears off..wow..dig this video..
Love the P1800. All the good looks without the massive price tag. Not to mention bulletproof reliability.
It's weird but this car looks like the same "class" as a Aston Martin DB5 for example, but in fact it is "just" a Volvo! Amazing car! Looks really nice.
The 1800 has specs similar to the old Aston DB2..rear drums, front disks, 4 speed w OD, SU carbs, etc. The Aston had a 6 cyl but only 20-30 more HP, so not a huge difference. They're both made using hand-assembly and brazed body panels...but the Aston is worth 25x more (or as I prefer to see it, the Volvo costs 25x less). Thanks for all the kind words.
John P Cool facts, I didn't know that. I hope you will enjoy your car for many many more years. If I did not knew the brand of this car I would say it is an Aston Martin.
Also the color of your Volvo is very beautiful, it reminds of a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso.
Around 1951, Ferrari made a car called the 195 Inter. It looks like an Aston Martin. If it was british green, I'd assume it was an AM. The funny thing is, Aston Martins didn't really adopt the 195 Inter type grill until around 1957. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrari_195_Inter#/media/File:SC06_1951_Ferrari_195_Inter.jpg
Those old Volvo's are the happiest looking cars ever made!
I met John and his car today at a small hawaiian car show on my last day of vacation. I watched this episode a couple days earlier and when I saw him and his car I had this feeling I had seen him before. When he asked me if I saw petrolicious, I knew this was the guy and we ended up talking about his car and his watch making buisness. One of the nicest and friendliest people I have met. Now when I think of what I want my life to look like in 25 years, I think of John living in a beautiful place, with a beautiful car, and doing what he loves. This guy is a true insperation.
Also he let me sit in his car. Nana Nana Boo Boo
***** Nice to meet you too Kaelen!
This is probably one of my favorite petrolicious videos to date. The P1800 is not incredibly expensive but in my opinion it is one of the most beautiful cars ever to grace the road. The things that he said towards the end about us rapidly approaching a time where nothing is handmade or distinguishably human built was beautiful and eye opening. Overall just an incredible video and expose on the P1800 and an incredible man who owns one. Thank you petrolicious
Bought a 1968 Volvo P1800 in the early '80s for 850.00. It was puke yellow, so I painted it factory slate blue and then factory red just like this one, right down to the red in the hubcaps. What a wonderful car with it's electric overdrive.
The calm and serenity of his life, surrounded by timeless artifacts. That is the life I want.
Great video, beautiful car and John Patterson seems like a helluva guy with his love for the Volvo.
What he said about the stories of an object makes me really sad... I wish I won't see the end of these "endangered species".
same but in some sense, it is true, were moving at such a fast pace... like he said, that is why we need more craftmanship, creativity, hands-on raw assembling...but I am optimistic for the future of these vintage cars :D
Tony Schnitzel I'm really glad I'm a mechanic, I come from working on european motorcycles, mostly old British and BMW, the old ones being mostly hand made and it shows. Some call it bad, but I prefer the term character, and the old bikes have plenty. Now I'm working for a shop that restores old cars as well as builds customs. Right now putting together a '62 Corvette that was completely taken apart over 30 years ago, it's interesting the thought that went into keeping a late '40's chassis in production till the very end. In the case of the vette, that being the completely new chassis of the '63 model year!
The actions of guys like him, I think, are what's going to make sure artisan construction and individual craftsmanship never truly die out. I rather feel that a surprising amount of people like the human touch of tradition more than the anodyne tedium of mass-production- why else do people buy vinyl and pocket-watches? While the endangered species seen here may end up in a state of near-permanent conservation, they'll never truly die out. Not while there's anyone with a soul left to enjoy them.
One of my favorite cars, driven by a guy who gets it!
what a gorgeous looking machine .. and the owner seems to be very friendly .. great video guys !
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Wow, this guy is amazing. He embodies everything I keep telling people about the value of hand-made craftsman trades as an art. Fantastic story!
Just incredible...again pushing the bar Petrolicous. The feels at the end.
Suggest you hear the owners story before watching the video ,very articulate i could listen to this guy talk all day.
quality production ,car and owner ....thankyou.
He really knows why we all love old cars
Such a simple story, so well told! I will remember John's lines for a long time. Thank you John!
I always see lots of P1800s not running in the back of peoples driveways or on the side of the house. I started taking a picture when I come across one. Always love seeing these venerable ancients.
THANK YOU!!! Great video as every single one, and a gorgeous car, but what makes this one particularly interesting for me is because you give a name to an urge I've always had inside and I wasn't able to name. By minute 5:10 John says: "What makes most people love a project is the story, and that's because is a human connection". Thank you for that sentence!
Craftsmanship is rare these days, so I really appreciate the craftsmanship you guys at Petrolicious put into these video's. Best channel on RUclips!
This eposode is just what i have wished for!
You know what you are talking about. I grew up with my family's old cars (1930-1960) Some of the cars is still in my reach today. After finishing school I started to work with welding and metal shaping by hand. I have learn alot and when I open the hood or look under this cars my mind is blown. They could do all this shapes and bents and make a mechanical masterpiece with old pressbreaks, blowtorches and eccentricpress.
I can best describe it as a person learning to play a instrument. He will never listen to music the same way again.
And it not just super expensiv cars but even the simple VW beetle and more.
The P1800 is the *only* model Volvo has ever made that I would like to have in my garage simply because even as old as it is, it is still one of the most beautifully styled cars on the road!
From the period Volvo made good looking cars and not square boxes with wheels! The P1800 is one of the most beautiful cars ever. Best regards, a SAAB-fanatic.
Volvo was making the 140 series during this time. Which was the "square box with wheels" that you are talking about.
I personally find the boxy Volvos very nice looking when the are looking factory new. The 240 series is the classic Volvo shape, while the 140 series is more of a "cute" version of the 240 series, smaller and more 60s in the design.
Saabs are cool but finicky and fwd....I'll take a rwd brick.
Latsaaben Saab Bro! :)
Dude, bricks rule, what are you on about ;)
One of the most beautiful cars ever.
Petrolicious you never fail to dissapoint. This is probably my favourite video yet, a great car and a great guy. Love the background stories and the reflection of people's personalities in the cars you feature.
As the owner of a 1973 1800ES, I want to thank you for your video and the eloquent thoughts that you expressed about design, style, and quality. I wish that we could turn the clocks back to a more simple time.
My father bought a P1800 when my brother and I were kids. I remember both of us sitting in the back jump seat and there was a small package cut out that had 2 humps in that space. We called them our fried eggs and we used to lick them, slightly salty taste as I remember. Strange and imaginative, we were. Post owners of the car never new it had "that kind" of history attached to it, haha.
I can't agree more with his sentiment of the world needing more craftsmen and artisanship. It seems like the world we live in now is just training us to sit behind a desk and do remedial tasks. I feel blessed to be a fabricator and build unique things everyday, like this man builds unique watches everyday. It just takes a chance encounter for you to become something different than the rest of the corporate slaves.
Most beautiful Volvo ever built.
The body lines where the door handle and the glass meets at the back end of the door. Is one of the most beautiful automotive design touches I’ve seen.
Loved the look of this car when I was a kid. My dad was a college prof in the 60s , they were popular on campus back then...
Volvo made me like cars. There's a philosophy behind it. I'm talking about pre 2000's ones. Solid, reliable, minimalistic and stylish. Kudos to this very nice man and his car, he has the spirit that is lacking nowadays.
It's a non-confrontational classic. Impossible not to love.
A conversation starter...
Just like a good watch.
Thanks for sharing the flame of classic P1800 passion!
I've lusted for a nice P1800 ever since buying my 544 in 1964 and which I stil have and Petrolicious was nice enough to feature in their "Readers Stories" a couple of years ago. But other projects always beckon. Yours is a very nice story and very nice car, for sure.
P1800 notable because it was designed by one guy. Not a committee. Car indicates a design Idea. A countenance of Principle.
My best friends father growing up owned a Volvo PS1800E, a wagon version of this car. It is certainly one of my top favourite cars in life. It sounded brilliant, had awesome well worn leather, just a cool car to have known.
I have seen a few coupe versions like the one in this video over the years, including one here in Ottawa, On, a few years ago.
If I ever have the chance to own one of either variation I would be a very happy man.
This guy is so awesome and humble!!
Love your out look and attitude , the P1800 has both .
well done John you definitely got the right out look and perspective on cars and life in general....ur an inspiration man...great video
awsome, craftmanship is what makes it special indeed!
That was so wonderful to watch. Im just heading into work so that put a nice touch on my peace of mind. You guys really do it right.
Such a wonderful essay and ode to beautiful cars of a time gone by. Thank you Petrolicious for all the amazing work you create and share.
One of the best videos from you guys. Love it.
Great stories! Can not agree more with “crafts arts that are being lost”. We need to keep them alive! I have a 1966 Black Volvo P1800S. Whenever you are close to Riverside, CT, send me a message a we will drive it in the lovely New England backcountry roads!
Love this video, my favourite perhaps. Just to be in love with the car, and not to be arrogant about it or anything.
Beautifull, beautifull.. thank you for existing, Petrolicious.
A truly insightful and prescient commentary about a beautiful and iconic motor car - and the continuing loss of craftsmanship and individuality. Thoroughly enjoyed the video. Thanks so much for uploading and sharing your pleasure in owning and driving this superb P1800.
This guy really 'gets it'. Most modern stuff does not have a soul anymore, just mass produced anonymous objects build to brake sooner than later. As a result the market for vintage is seeing more and more interest, if it is cars or audio equipment, watches or even houses.
I drive a 67 Mustang, do all the work on it myself. It breaks every now and then. It makes a lot of noise, smells like burned oil. It vibrates. It is nowhere near as comfortable as a modern car. Yet nobody ever asks me why I love it. They don't have to.
Absolutely perfect.. Another stunning video 😃
Great video. Thanks for sharing. What a beautiful car. Down to earth, straight, earthy. Well done.
Man, goin on a feels trip here! Pretty wise words actually and sadly true. Clean P1800 and one of the most down to earth episodes on this channel, well done!
Very nicely done... my hats off to the people who video and put together these quality Petrolicious videos.
What a beauty ! What a nice condition ! Well done John.
When I was twelve, there was a blue P1800 for sale round the corner from my granny's, and I tried to get her to buy it, but she didn't - obviously. Still, I loved it ever since but still haven't bought one !
This is my all-time favorite car.. I really, really need to have one of these. I absolutely adore it.
You can tell he's a watchmaker when he talks about craftsmanship and the history of an object like that. Watch collectors and makers speak about craftsmanship in a certain beautiful way, which make it seem like the most important part of any object and honestly, same with vintage car collectors, I wish I have a vintage car like that, when I'm able to drive.
Great video. I love how this guy speak. How he explains is vision and opinion on this subject. Seems like a cool guy. Will have a look at his watches.
Great video! Would really love to see more vintage Volvos
Gorgeous video. Love the car's styling, always have since The Saint. Owner seems like a genuinely mellow dude. Mahalo!
I've been waiting forever for them to do one of these.
That John Patterson really does speak my mind, so very true. It must really be a labor of Love to keep that Jensen-build 1964 P1800 alive and looking that good in the high-corrosion environment of Hawaii. Two thumbs up for him! I restore old airplanes for a hobby and drive old Volvos and refuse to buy any modern car. Keep it up man! Best Regards from Alaska!
From 5:10 to the end of the video explains exactly what goes on in my head everyday.
youreonlyhuman I'm glad people 'understood' what I was trying to say. Mahalo!
+Bathys Hawaii I've watched this video maybe 10 times and I will never get bored of it. I myself have an old watch and camera so all I'm missing a Volvo P1800S...:D. Your words sum up my everyday thinking too. Thank you.
Great car, but there is so much more to this video than just the car, some profound and thought provoking words. And since I too love both cars and well made watches, I believe I am suddenly in the market for a new time piece made in Hawaii
Cheap or not, I think that is one beauty of a Volvo
This guy gets it and it really truly is sad that things are going that way in the world but the people are out there that do build things still and there are people that seek them out for what they do. It wont die out completely but will be admired by those who truly want that in whatever they buy. The first time I saw a P1800 in a magazine was an issue of hotrod back in the early 2000s(I'm 25) I was struck by its shape and the fact that it was a Volvo.
lovely island and agree with you about classics. there is a feel about them going back in time and the way they drive. some though are not that slow. I have a 1998 Ducati which can still hold its ground with modern day drivers
I loved the fusciacca colored overdrive light. I only know this because I had a 63 years ago. A wonderful car, not perfect but a great little machine.
Same car that Sir Roger Moore drove in The Saint. He signed a guy's car seat of the same model in the UK, even adding the Saint logo to his signature. A great actor and a true English gentleman.
Thanks for sharing, Life demands many things of us to survive & prosper), you have achieved balance and I get a sense of where you are coming from and how, time in your chosen vehicle, gives you so much. I use to use achieve a similar feeling with my TR6, on the forests roads around Apollo Bay (think Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia)
What a beautiful car
absolutely loved it!
had no idea this car even existed! thanks xcar!
i really enjoyed-thanks, subscribed.
amazing car, amazing history, amazing man! God it's so cool, that people still want do something it own
Wow...love that Volvo but...this man his words resonate truth about our current condition. Hes right on point. God bless him and all the folks here at petrolicious for putting this out.
god doesnt exist
don't short yourself on your car's outstanding beauty.. it's a classic
But... I was subbed and now no more? How come? Subbed again! Absolutely stunning film!
Interesting and well presented. Thanks from Orlando Florida
One good road is better than a thousand roads with tons of potholes 🙏
This video is everything I love about Petrolicious...
Miss the one I had so much... (a white '66...)
Video as good as ever!
Great video, great car and awesome story and owner!
Pelle Petterson styled this car under the guidance of Pietro Frua when Frua's studio was a subsidiary of the prestigious Italian carrozzeria Ghia. Gorgeous.
5:12 Very powerful words, great video
Nice video, nice car, nice watches!
Great work.
Beautiful. I want one of these. My parents "made me" get a Volvo for my first car because safety...I'm on my third Volvo now and I'll always have a thing for old bricks.
That is my dream car! As soon as I can afford one, I will get one. And I will never ever let it go again…
Inspiring film!!
Cool shape and cool story.
beautiful car
Great video of a great car! 👍👌👏
Very enjoyable tribute. Volvos are all about straight lines? Well I never! Fantastic car and owner.
Nice to see Kauai after only beeing once there or vacation ! O course the P1800 is a nice rare car !
this guy just gets it eh. amazing.
great attitude, thmbs up
Maybe underplaying the appeal and appearance of the car slightly...
"It's not a pretentious car... However you look at it, it's a Volvo... It's not a car where you go 'look what I'VE got'..."
I think there's more of this in the P1800 than you give it credit for, so to speak. No, it's not as expensive as a Ferrari, but most people recognize its singular beauty and appreciate its rarity. It's definitely a car you own to make some sort of statement, make some sort of impression, whether it's really a conscious desire or not. How you interpret the car (and its driver) is really subjective...
Anyway, great to see how much you enjoy your beautiful old car!