When Volvo revealed the Amazon series of cars in 1956, little did the company know that it was launching a car that would become both a legend and a pioneer.
It was a pioneer insofar as it was the first car in the world to be fitted with seat belts as standard, a safety initiative that led to them becoming mandated across the entire car industry by 1983. It's with such a life saving device that Volvo’s reputation for safety began, but in addition to that, the Amazon was (and still is) a ridiculously strong car.
That, in turn, made it a hugely successful rally car, especially in two-door form when fitted with the higher power twin carb 122S engine. And that's what we have here. This car is a 1968 122S which spent its entire life in South Africa until last autumn, when it was imported to the UK by a Volvo enthusiast. It is fully UK-registered and was restored in the 2010s by a long-term South African owner. It still presents well today, and thanks to its South African origins it has two really unusual options – fully working air conditioning and a functional Sanyo FM radio.FRONT.jpg942.53 KB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT and tax exempt – but supplied with a new MOT valid to June 2024 and passed with no advisories for buyer’s peace of mind
Extensive history file
Originally supplied to South Africa in late 1967 as a CKD kit and assembled there (the story of CKD production is in the history file)
First registered in Durban in February 1968.
The last South African owner (a member of the Volvo Owners Club) purchased the car in January 2011 from the previous owner, who had owned the car for over 20 years)
He had the car inspected and tested, the only fault found was the upper control arm bushes were worn. The car then passed the RSA roadworthiness test and was put into service
Restored and give an engine out full respray in the original Volvo White in 2011
Exhibited for some time at The James Hall Transport Museum and a plaque was issued, which remains with the car.
Imported and registered in the UK in September 2022
All NOVA declarations and duties paid – car is UK-registered and fully road legal
Repainted in original Volvo White and still looks great Appears excellent underneath with no signs of previous nor required welding Repainted in 2011 and still resplendent, with only minor flaws Small crack to paint in OS/R wing top around previous repair One small dent to nearside sill All trim present and correct, with minor deterioration in places Original steel wheels with good tyres all-round Period chrome spot lights (will need wiring in)BACK.jpg954.4 KB
THE MECHANICS
1.8-litre 4cyl petrol
Starts and drives well
Surprisingly lively performance with slick all-synchro gearbox
Will cruise happily among modern traffic
Converted to electronic ignition with new R&I distributor, coil and rotor arm
The Amazon is a cult car for a reason, and this example is as good as they get in terms of both style and performance – the 122S is very much the one to have.
It is in fine order for an older restoration and has clearly been well-loved, making it perfect to use as a classic show car, or perhaps even as the basis for an historic rally car – a two-door performance model is prime fodder for that.
Notice to bidders
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