Descrizione
I`m developing a weird passion for old Volvos and this fabulous Amazon fitted with a slightly later B20 twin-carburettor 2-litre engine is the perfect Winter classic. The subject of considerable refurbishment around 9 years ago, this stunning 122S is currently my daily driver and I am really enjoying it`s go anywhere nature. It genuinely drives like a modern car. So, if you are looking for a slightly alternative family classic that has an enviable reputation for reliability with strong Club support, look no further. But you might have to wrestle the keys off me first!
Launched in 1956 as a direct successor to the popular PV range, the 120-Series or Amazon as it was branded for the domestic market, was a mid-sized family car available in either 2 or 4-door variants and a 5-door station wagon. According to in-house designer Jan Wilsgaard, the styling for this all-new car was inspired by an American Kaiser he spotted parked up at Gothenburg harbour. Pronounced shoulders running the length of the car and discreet but visible tail fins gave the car a clean but purposeful look with all bodywork made of phosphate-treated steel with heavy under-coating and special anti-corrosive oil treatment. Early production took place at Volvo`s Lundby plant in Gothenburg itself with later production of the Amazon moving to Torslandaverken from 1964. All cars benefitted from a range of 4-cylinder engines (although just the B16 1583cc at the start) and a choice or 3 or 4-speed manual gearbox with an automatic Borg-Warner option appearing from 1964 onwards. Engine-wise, the bigger B18 offering 1778cc was introduced in 1962 with the B20 affording 1986cc and developing 118BHP in twin SU-carburettor form from 1968 onwards. The first car in the world to offer seatbelts as standard equipment, the Amazon became a benchmark for safety as well as rugged reliability. Unsurprisingly, it`s attributes were noticed by the motorsport fraternity, the car soon featuring on a number of rally circuits worldwide, winning the 1965 RAC European Touring Car Championships, the 1965 Acropolis Rally and coming a very respectable third in the 1966 African Safari Rally driven by Joginder Singh and Bharat Bhardwaj.
Our car was registered in Sheffield in August 1966 and being the sporty 122S came would have originally come with the B18 1778cc engine fitted with twin carburettors. At some point in it`s life, the engine has been replaced with the slightly later B20 2-litre unit producing a very healthy 118BHP. This is a very acceptable modification in Amazon circles and provides the Volvo with enough power to be used and enjoyed in modern-day traffic. Sadly, we know little of the history of the car prior to 2014 when it would seem to be residing in Lincolnshire albeit in a rather neglected state. It was subsequently sold to a car and coach-trimmer in Bournemouth who evidently set about what was to become a major recommissioning exercise. Notable work included minor welding to the underside and bulkhead, complete brake overhaul with new rear drums, shoes, front pads and master cylinder, replacement of front shock absorbers, ball joints and rear suspension bushes, adjustment to clutch with new slave and master cylinders, overhaul cooling system with flush-through and new hoses and cap, replacement of ignition parts to include points, plugs, rotor arm and alternator belt and general electrical check-over. In November 2014, the Volvo was subsequently presented for MoT which was passed unsurprisingly with flying colours. A month later, the car was sold to a local gentleman and has remained with him in Bournemouth until now. Last presented for MoT in March 2017 (passed with no Advisory Notes), the Volvo has been used regularly in all winds and weathers and has proved to be characterful and reliable family transport.
The photographs tell the story today. This is an honest and incredibly sound example with nothing to hide. Bodywork is very good throughout and the largely original paint finish polishes up well albeit there are a couple of age-related blemishes. Chrome is also all original and whilst some pitting is evident to front and rear bumpers, both are presentable and all trim is present and in good shape. The originality continues inside the cabin with front and rear seats in excellent black vinyl with matching door-cards, rather iconic black padded dash with strip speedometer and newly replaced black carpets. Turn the key and the B20 fires into life settling down off-choke to a low burble through the twin exhaust tailpipe. On the road, gear selection is smooth and precise, steering surprisingly positive with excellent lock and a soft but supportive ride encourage the eager 2-litre to be pushed harder and harder. It genuinely feels far more modern than it`s 57 years suggest to the point that I have been using it daily for the past couple of weeks. Performance and road-holding echo something much more mid-1980`s with excellent brakes and not surprisingly (for a Volvo) a great heater! I love it and it engenders a real "thumbs up" reaction on the road. The styling is understated but that is part of it`s charm. Understated cool.
The Amazon comes with a small history file detailing the refurbishment work undertaken in 2014, various bills and receipts for parts, old MoT Certificates and a current V5C where the later B20 engine (code 4969) is correctly noted.
A genuine and very useable classic Amazon. Perfect for the Winter ahead.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
