A Devilish Volvo: The Story of “The Sinner”
Ken Russell’s love affair with Volvo began with the silver screen. Captivated by Val Kilmer driving a Volvo C70 in the 1997 film “The Saint,” Russell fell head over heels for the brand. Since then, his devotion has only grown, leading him to amass a collection of Volvo models.
His affinity for the brand took an unexpected turn when he stumbled upon the classic 1965 Volvo P1800. “The Saint” TV series – the inspiration behind the film – solidified his fascination. The sleek white P1800 driven by Roger Moore as the charming spy Simon Templar captured Russell’s imagination.
But Russell had a vision different from the iconic spy car. “I wanted something darker,” he says, opting for a sinister reimagining of the classic. Thus, the P1800 known as “The Sinner” was born, complete with a logo sporting horns and a tail.
The restoration was no small feat. The P1800 is renowned for its robustness – it holds the record as the world’s longest-driven car, clocking over 515,000 miles.
Russell wasn’t hesitant to make the car his own. He lowered it with racing springs and fitted it with wider wheels for an enhanced driving experience.
“It really made the car nicer to drive,” he says.
The interior presented its own challenges. A broken black upholstery was replaced with plush red leather. Almost all the instrument panel gauges were in disrepair, requiring thorough refurbishment.
Striving for personalization over complete originality, Russell shaped the new instrument panel like a surfboard, painting it a glossy red to complement the rest of the interior.
“Even though I love the original, I wanted to build it my way,” he admits.
This unconventional approach has led to some exclusion from classic car shows.
But Russell’s brave and distinct interpretation has attracted plenty of admirers on the streets.
“Most people who drive Volvo these days are soccer moms and people who work in offices,” he says. “They are happy when they find out that they have a cool brand.”
Designed by the Italian design house Frua – known for crafting the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia – the P1800 holds special significance. Swedish roots run deep, however, as the visionary Swede Pelle Peterrson spearheaded the design.
The fun doesn’t end there.
Ken continues to tinker and refine his sinister creation, a testament to his passion and dedication.
What are some of the notable features of Ken Russell’s customized Volvo P1800, “The Sinner”?
## A Devilish Volvo: The Story of “The Sinner”
**(Interview with Ken Russell, Volvo Enthusiast)**
**Interviewer:** Ken, thank you for joining us today. We’ve heard about your fascinating project, “The Sinner,” a customized Volvo P1800. Can you tell us what sparked this unique endeavor?
**Ken Russell:** Absolutely! It all started with a childhood love for “The Saint,” both the TV series and the 1997 film. Seeing Val Kilmer cruising in the C70 really solidified my admiration for Volvos.
**Interviewer:** And the P1800 specifically?
**Ken Russell:** The P1800 driven by Roger Moore as Simon Templar was iconic. But I wanted to take the car in a darker, more sinister direction.
**Interviewer:** So “The Sinner” was born. What makes this creation stand out?
**Ken Russell:** [Pause] It’s a complete reimagination. While I won’t reveal all my secrets, let’s just say it has a powerful new engine, a custom paint job, and some design elements that give it a truly devilish aura.
**Interviewer:** Intriguing! For those who might be unfamiliar with this particular Volvo model, can you tell us a bit about its history and significance?
**Ken Russell:** The P1800 was Volvo’s sporty coupe, produced from 1961 to 1973. It was known for its elegant design and performance. It was quite the departure from Volvo’s typical image at the time, representing their attempt to appeal to a younger, more adventurous market.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’ve poured your heart and soul into “The Sinner.”
**Ken Russell:** It’s been a labor of love, that’s for sure. And I’m incredibly excited to finally show her off to the world.
