In the Garage

1969 Volvo P1800S two-door coupe

The owner: Eli Jimenez (1999)

What makes it interesting: While Sean Connery's James Bond was known worldwide for his Aston Martin, Roger Moore's Simon Templar took the Volvo P1800S as his ride of choice in the 1960s television show, "The Saint." Volvo produced the coupes from 1961 through 1972. "The 1960 New York Auto Show introduction was overwhelming," Jimenez said, but when Moore started using one, "it truly became the world's first 'spy car' and everyone wanted one. With a 1.8-liter engine and dual Strombergs (carburetors) putting out about 110 horsepower on a 2,400-pound chassis, it was underpowered. But on TV, it looked like a rocket." The design was developed in Italy, the engine and other parts came from Sweden, the body panels were made in Scotland and assembly took place in England. Jimenez' car is modified to resemble the original concept proposed by its Swedish creator.

Where he found it: "After scouring the region for about six months, looking for one that was restorable, I purchased her on the North Shore from a golf pro who had never gotten around to working on her," he said. "I took my 'body man' out to see her, and with his approval, I paid $600 and we towed her back to the shop."

Condition: "It was a four-year, ground-up restoration project that began with the purpose of restoring her to original condition," he said. "However, as work progressed, I came across the original concept design of her creator, Pelle Pettersson, known as the 'X-1' (which never went into production) and fell in love with it. We did an about-face and modified her as a tribute to Pelle Pettersson's concept of the P1800."

Value: "It's whatever the value of a lifelong quest of a 16-year-old kid's dream is worth," he said. "However, two years ago, I was offered $42,000."

Tips for owners: "For this, or any car you've ever dreamed of restoring, you must be passionate about the task because the pitfalls are many, but the rewards are incredible," Jimenez said. "For Volvos, join Volvo Sports America, which has numerous chapters in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Club membership provides a great source for parts, advice and camaraderie."

Personal comments: "The response from adults and kids alike -- whenever I stop at a light, pull into a gas station or just drive along Beach Drive -- is just overwhelming," Jimenez said. "People pull out their cell phones and start clicking away with comments like, 'Wow! Is that really a Volvo?' or 'Look, it's The Saint's car.'" He added that the Volvo has won national championships in her class at car shows and "continues to fascinate onlookers the way she did me when I first saw her."