H&H Classic Auction  @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
24th of April, 2024 13:00

1966 Volvo 121 Saloon

Estimate £5, 000 - £7, 000

Registration No: Unregistered
Chassis No: 220165
MOT: June 2024

Current family ownership since 1976
Original owners wallet with handbook
An old MOT certificate from 1976 and a few invoices from 1973
The 121 was the base model of Volvo's 120 (Amazon) Series of cars designed in-house by Jan Wilsgaard and introduced in 1956. Unlike the slant-backed PV444/ 544, the newcomer was a modern-looking three-box design. Safety was already a priority for all Volvo models and the Amazon range featured a padded dashboard, laminated windscreen and seatbelt attachments front and rear - a Volvo first. Power came from a new OHV in-house unit initially of 1. 4-litres, but increased to 1. 6, 1. 8 and eventually 2. 0-litre capacity over the model's fourteen-year lifespan. These were mated to either three or four-speed manual gearboxes or a three-speed automatic unit. Suspension was independent at the front with wishbones and coil springs and by live axle, torque arms and coil springs at the rear. Braking was initially by drums all-round with discs becoming standard at the front from 1964. Over time the Amazon was available as either a two- or four-door Saloon or Estate. Like its predecessor, it was of tough construction and inherently good handling and roadholding and proved to be a successful competition car, both in the forest and on the track.

First registered in Manchester on the 2nd August 1966, the 121 has resided in North Wales since the early 1970s. Finished in White and with an automatic transmission, this 121 began life at John Wallwork Ltd, Manchester, possibly as a showroom display or demonstrator. The 121 then came into the hands of Mrs M Richardson, Swinton, Manchester some 8 months later, in March 1967. The car moved to Llandudno in November 1970, before Mr W. Bennison, down the road in Colwyn Bay in Aug 1972 and further along the coast to Mr D. Clare of Abergele in December 1974 where it has remained in family ownership ever since. There is an old MOT certificate from 1976 showing the mileage as 7, 220. Still possessing the original green logbook, the 121 also has the original instruction book, even with the automatic transmission supplement still present. There is the old MOT certificate from 1976 and a few invoices from 1973.

Due to the long-term ownership, the Volvo has never had a V5 document and due to this will need to be re-registered with the DVLA before being ready for the road again.