Restomods are absolutely everywhere at the moment, with tinkering hands drawn towards the Porsche 911, classic Range Rovers, the Jaguar XJS and a plethora of old American trucks and SUVs. But very rarely are attentions turned towards the impossibly cool Volvo P1800 ES.
If you’ve ever looked at a Volvo P1800 ES and thought “that’s nice, but what if it were spruced up a bit?”, Autoforma has just answered your prayers.
The Dutch design-led outfit, born from the mind of Niels van Roij Design, has teamed up with classic specialist Volvo Lotte to launch Norrsken – a strictly limited programme reimagining Volvo’s glass-tailed Seventies icon.
“It pushes contemporary design and performance further — while remaining true to the essence of the P1800 ES”
Norrsken is Swedish for “northern light” or “aurora borealis”, and the name isn’t accidental. Rather than going big with Instagram-friendly bodykits, Norrsken keeps things quietly amazing. A sort of “ahhhh” moment, rather than “bloody hell, would you look at that”. As van Roij puts it: “Norrsken reflects the essence of Scandinavian and Dutch design: restraint, honesty in materials and beauty through purpose. Every decision serves both heritage and everyday usability.”
The programme is split into three distinct design directions, each with its own name and unique touches. Heritage Heaven keeps things period-correct, with subtle technical upgrades focused on reliability and stance rather than headline performance. Modern Marvel cleans things up with contemporary lighting, upgraded suspension and a more progressive materials palette.
Then there’s Forward Fashionista – the launch specification and the most assertive take on the lot.
“Forward Fashionista is the most expressive interpretation of Norrsken,” says van Roij. “It pushes contemporary design and performance further — while remaining true to the essence of the P1800 ES.”
Under the bonnet of that version sits Volvo’s legendary T-5 five-cylinder engine, complete with bespoke twin-exit exhaust, modernised transmission, reworked chassis geometry, upgraded brakes and revised steering with a quicker ratio. The focus, we’re told, is engagement and balance rather than pub bragging rights.
Visually, the changes are subtle but transformative as a whole. Ride height, track width and wheel fitment are optimised. There are redesigned bumpers and brightwork (anthracite, silver or chrome), a reworked grille, carbon-fibre arch extensions, a chin spoiler with integrated LED fog lamps and a discreet rear spoiler above the iconic glass tailgate. LED lighting features front and rear, while buyers can choose from bespoke forged wheels and custom paint finishes ranging from heritage hues to satin and modern metallic statements.
“Individually, the exterior changes are restrained; together, they fundamentally reshape the car’s presence,” van Roij explains. “Wheels, stance, proportions, surface quality and jewellery were all developed with equal design intent.”
Inside, the original dashboard architecture remains but is reupholstered and refined rather than replaced. Expect painted metal fascias, brushed aluminium or wood veneers, rounded chrome-cased instruments, redesigned seats with improved ergonomics and a newly developed centre console flowing towards sculpted split rear seats. Materials range from high-grade leathers and Alcantara to altogether from gentlemanly tweeds and Scandinavian wool blends, with discreetly integrated modern infotainment and climate systems hidden beneath the tactile fascias.
“Individually, the exterior changes are restrained; together, they fundamentally reshape the car’s presence”
Autoforma has even released a series of design studies to show the range: British Racing Green with tan leather grand tourer; silver with vivid pink accents for the brave; saffron pearl inspired by Nineties Volvo R models; cream-yellow nodding to the T-5R; and several others that prove this project really is what you want to make of it.
Production is capped at just five cars per year, each tailored to its owner’s chosen direction. Pricing for the range-topping Forward Fashionista starts at €300,000 before taxes.
So there you have it, you can now add Norrsken and Autoforma to that growing list of painfully cool restomods you’ll never be able to afford.
