Prices for the Volvo P1800 coupé and the 1800ES estate have moved again, up 12 and 18% respectively on 2016 numbers. That means project cars are now £4000 and the very best coupés command £28k, with the ES representing slightly better value at £24k.

Despite such rises we don’t think these handsome Swedes have hit their natural ceiling yet. They may not be exciting to drive like some of their price rivals, but not everyone wants to tear around like a frustrated touring car driver. There’s a lot to be said for cruising around, feeling good about the world.

Buying advice and market analysis is part of 18 pages of buying information in every issue of Classic Cars magazine, including Quentin Willson’s Smart Buys, Russ Smith’s Market Watch, in-depth buying guides and Ads on Test.

Phil Bell

Editor, Classic Cars magazine

For more details of the latest issue, visit www.classiccarsmagazine.co.uk