The sturdy and stoic Amazon has to be one of Volvo’s most iconic cars. It has been a popular, safe family car as well as a heroic racing and rally competitor. Built to last by the safety-conscious Swedes and a very popular project for many classic enthusiasts. This one retains almost all of its originality and has only had new components added when needed so remains an un-restored example of a terrific machine.

Owned by a single family for many years, this Amazon has served its owners continually and is only now available as part of the last owner’s estate. It has been cared for continuously and has been well maintained. It has been a vehicle that although cherished has been in daily service for many years. There are invoices showing recent purchases of items required to keep the car on the road, but as yet the car has not undergone any restoration and remains virtually original barring minor repairs.

Comfort appears to have been high on the agenda for Volvo when creating the interior. The seats are deep and luxurious and considering their age are in good condition with the most obvious wear on the rear of the front seats with some fraying of the material. The seat cushions themselves remain plump and very serviceable. The rear seat is equally plush with minimal wear and tear, far less than would be expected of a car of this age. The instrumentation is clear and bright and all the switchgear is where it should be but not tested. The headlining is generally clean but it does have a few tears at the rear. The cavernous boot is clean and houses the spare wheel and original jack. Although showing some areas of wear, the interior is not showing the kind of wear that would be expected on a car that is almost 60 years old, in fact, it’s quite remarkable, more worn in than worn out.

The paintwork still has a considerable gloss to it and although it can’t be confirmed if all the panels are original, the car does appear to be generally as it came from the factory. There are some areas that certainly show some repair, but they are on the lower portion of the car and will have been a fight to stave off corrosion and an invoice from 2012 indicates the purchase of a pair of inner wing repair panels. On the whole the body, like the interior is good for the age of the vehicle. The underside is displaying some surface rust but has not been raised to establish the extent. The car still possesses the original factory-fit wheels complete with hub caps.

Mechanically, the Volvo seems fully functioning and was in regular use until recently. It has some history of recent costs but the car has obviously enjoyed regular servicing and maintenance throughout its life.  According to the person overseeing its sale, the Amazon runs well and everything works as it should without any obvious faults. The 1782cc B18 engine in the 122S was fitted with twin carbs and these are still fitted and are complete with pancake filters. The gearbox is the original 4-speed unit and that too has been reported to be working without issue. 

The Volvo Amazon is a car renowned for its sturdiness and longevity. Back in the day, they were used for all sorts of practical roles above and beyond a safe family saloon. Police cars, Taxis, Government transports, the list goes on, and that’s before you look at the motorsport successes. It was a car that was built to last and this particular one is testament to that fact. Of course, it may be showing some areas of wear and tear, and it may have had the odd repair to chase the evil corrosive tin worm away, but this car is still very original and is packed with period charm. It has been a stalwart of reliability for one family for most of its life and it is more than ready and willing to continue doing it for the next lucky owner.

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.