The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a striking 1968 Volvo 1800S in baby blue to its collection, a vehicle that embodies the Scandinavian elegance and sporting spirit of the 1960s. The car, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, showcases a timeless design with mechanical upgrades that enhance its driving appeal.
The Volvo 1800S is an evolution of the original P1800 coupe, famously driven by Roger Moore in the television series The Saint. Produced in Sweden, the 1800S was refined for greater reliability and performance. The 1968 model year represents a pivotal moment, blending classic styling with modern mechanicals, featuring clean chrome lines and a robust 2.0-liter B20 inline-four engine.
This particular example is equipped with an M41 four-speed manual transmission with overdrive, sending power to the rear wheels for a nimble yet confident driving experience. Upgrades include Bilstein shocks and Panasport wheels, which add a performance edge, while chrome bumpers, dual exhaust outlets, and a subtle aftermarket stereo preserve the car's period character with tasteful enhancements.
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 maintaining 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."
The 1968 Volvo 1800S is now on display among more than 200 classic and exotic vehicles, alongside 3,000 vintage toys and cultural artifacts at the museum. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, offers free parking and admission, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visitors are encouraged to explore the extensive collection and enjoy the museum's dog-friendly policy.
Ron Sturgeon, a dedicated car collector for over 30 years, founded the museum in the 1980s. 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. The museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, moved from Haltom City to its current larger facility, offering secure climate-controlled car storage and spaces for events.
For enthusiasts and families alike, the addition of this 1968 Volvo 1800S underscores the museum's commitment to preserving automotive history and celebrating design icons. The car's presence not only enriches the collection but also offers visitors a glimpse into an era of motoring that combined style with substance.
