Tailoring the Volvo P1800 Cyan of GT specification for a customer

2024-03-26

The tailoring process of a Volvo P1800 Cyan takes 12 to 15 months, from the first meeting between the customer and Cyan engineers to the finished car. Join us as we take an in-depth look into the process of building a Volvo P1800 Cyan of GT specification for a customer in the USA.

The customer selected a number of unique features, including a deep-red exterior colour in combination with a sand coloured interior and bespoke seats, as well as additional layers of sound insulation.

The engine configuration was set for inspiring drivability with a power output of 350hp, connected to the five-speed bespoke Holinger gearbox for excellent precision and feeling.

The customer selected a prop-shaft and final drive of GT specification for increased comfort.


The first step in the tailoring process after the customer has selected its unique preferences is to dismantle the donor car and place the original chassis in a fixture where it is reinforced with high-strength steel. This process also includes preparation for the Cyan-designed independent front and rear suspension.

After completion, the steel chassis is coated in a multilayer corrosion protection process and preparations are made for it to be joined with the carbon fibre body.

The carbon fibre body is bonded to the steel through a high-strength adhesive to function as an integrated component adding to the total rigidity of the chassis structure. The use of carbon fibre is key to enable low weight and high responsiveness, with the car weighing just 990 kilos pending specification.


All aluminium parts, from the exterior chrome details to the wheels and the front grille, are machined from billet aluminium for perfect fit and function.

The original Volvo electrical wiring and components are completely replaced with a modern CAN-bus based, PDM-controlled system designed by Cyan's electronics engineers.

Only a handful of parts from the original car get re-used in the Volvo P1800 Cyan, such as the tail lights, hood latch, handbrake switch and the floor of the chassis. All other parts are custom made by Cyan.

Although instruments, switches, head and tail lamps resemble the original, they are all based on modern reliable technology and bespoke for the car. This means that although the car in almost every detail appears to be built in the sixties, the speakers can play music from a smartphone and the driver can enjoy the reliability of a modern car.


The clean and driver-oriented interior of the original car has been carefully redesigned with modern materials and technology. The wide array of interior options includes the signature combination of soft-touch leather and wool.

When the car has been completed, the car can be picked up at the Cyan headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, or be transported to a location of choice by the customer and enjoy life-time support from the team of Cyan engineers, anywhere in the world.

Explore the Volvo P1800 Cyan further.