Swedish Symphony: The Autoforma Norrsken P1800ES Restomod

There are certain cars that exist in a state of perpetual cool, transcending the era in which they were built to become timeless icons of design. The Volvo P1800ES—often affectionately referred to as the “Snow White’s Coffin” for its expansive glass rear hatch—is undoubtedly one of these machines. It is a shooting brake that combines practicality with a silhouette so striking it has barely aged a day since the 1970s.

But even icons can benefit from a touch of modern sorcery, provided it is applied with the requisite respect. Enter Autoforma, the design-led restomod label by the visionary Niels van Roij Design, which has just announced “Norrsken,” a strictly limited programme that reimagines this Scandinavian classic for the modern connoisseur.

The name “Norrsken” is the Swedish word for the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, and it serves as the perfect metaphor for the project. Just as the phenomenon is defined by clarity, calm intensity, and beauty born from restraint, so too is this vehicle.

Unlike many restomods that shout for attention with aggressive flares and oversized wings, the Norrsken is a study in precision and atmosphere. It explores new interpretations of the P1800ES, ranging from faithful heritage tributes to bold contemporary expressions, all while maintaining the quiet impact that defines the best of Scandinavian design.

The programme offers three distinct personalities, allowing owners to tailor the character of the car to their specific tastes. For the purist, there is “Heritage Heaven,” a classic interpretation that honors the original design language through period-correct colors and materials, focusing on reliability and finish rather than outright performance.

For those seeking a cleaner aesthetic, “Modern Marvel” introduces a minimalist vision with modern lighting technology and a progressive material palette. But for the driver who wants to turn heads and corners in equal measure, there is the “Forward Fashionista.” This expressive, performance-focused variant redefines the P1800ES with bold colorways, carbon-fiber exterior components, and a more assertive stance.

Under the skin of the “Forward Fashionista” lies the kind of mechanical upgrade that makes petrolheads weak at the knees: the legendary Volvo T5 five-cylinder engine.

This turbocharged powerplant, famous for its warbling, off-beat soundtrack, is paired with a bespoke twin-exit exhaust system engineered to enhance the acoustic character without becoming obnoxious.

It is supported by a revised suspension setup, upgraded braking systems with improved cooling, and a modernized transmission. The goal here isn’t to chase headline lap times, but to deliver an “analogue” driving experience that is engaging, balanced, and perfectly usable on a daily basis.

Step inside, and the attention to detail is nothing short of obsessive. The interior takes the original dashboard architecture and elevates it with bespoke craftsmanship. Every surface has been reupholstered and refined.

The facia finishes are available in painted body color, brushed aluminum, or fine wood veneers, while the classic rounded chrome instruments remain to keep the iconic Volvo character alive. The seats have been redesigned with premium foam and improved ergonomics, and the cabin materials range from leather and Alcantara to Scandinavian wool blends for a tactile, luxurious feel.

Even the luggage compartment has been reimagined with leather straps or polished aluminum rails, turning the boot into a display case for your gear.

Naturally, such bespoke craftsmanship and exclusivity come at a premium. With production capped at just a handful of units per year to ensure quality, the Norrsken P1800ES starts from €300,000 (approximately £250,000), a figure that reflects the hundreds of hours of labor and design that go into each build.

It is a significant investment, but for those who understand the allure of a perfectly executed restomod—one that balances history with modern capability—it is a price worth paying for a rolling work of art that is as functional as it is beautiful.