Description
The time has come to, very reluctantly, pass on my beloved Amazon.
The car is very solid mechanically and drives like a dream. It has a D type camshaft from the GT model which adds a bit to the already quite torquey engine, overdrive, modern sports air filter, stainless steel exhaust, full length sunroof, alternator and very rare colour matched wheels with chrome embellishers. It also has the front/ rear brake adjuster valve that is generally only seen on later models. It has been maintained by Amazon specialists throughout my 27 years of ownership, principly Tony Barratt of South Service and Noddy at Deaconcraft Volvo since Tony retired. The engine was rebuilt by the legendary Chris Hart of LH motors in 2009 and has done less than 10, 000 miles since.
Everything mechanical has been regularly maintained with parts replaced as required (fuel pump and lines, distrubiter, clutch cylinder patch, suspension bushes, etc.). The car is very smooth to drive and pulls like a small train.
The appearance is good with patina. There is little or no visible rust but the rear of the car in particular could do with some work and respraying to take it to the next level. The rear wheel arches have been filled and need a little patching every few years. The paint has been patched on the rear roof and nearside rear door and on the sills and is cracked a bit in other places, especially on the boot lid. There are also a couple of small blisters near the bottom edge of the boot lid that don't really show in the photos. The trim has some faults (everything looks great from a distance but they are there - although interestingly "not overly restored" is an increasingly common compliment). The dash is solid with no splits but isn't a perfrect fit around the instrument panel. The rear shelf vinyl has had a patch repair, there are a few bits of tape on the bottom of the seats and a couple of seems could do with a little re-stitching (I haven't tried as I'm not good at sowing) and there is a small tear in the roof covering by the interior light.
Both front wings, the bonnett and all doors bar the nearside/ passenger rear have been replaced or had new panels during my ownership as well as most of the bumper parts (there is a ding in the offside rear corner bumper but it isn't that visible and I've left it because it was part of the car's story for me). The indicator needs to be held on manually when signalling right (a common issue; apparently there is a way of sorting it if you file bits off the stem but it's never bothered me enough to try). There is a period Motorola radio with speakers which has a line input and a, no longer working, FM module (this hasn't bothered me either as it still looks great and I'm now more likely to use a Bluetooth speaker or phone).
The paint is cellulose and the colour is Volvo 89 Horizon Blue, which works beautifully with the chromework. You can get cans of this if required online and it will come with one part used and one full can.
I've owned the car for 27 years and can't tell you the joy of all the waves, thumbs up and positive comments that are gathered on every trip (it seems almost everybody's grandad drove one of these back in the day!). Sadly, having recently retired with a free London travel pass, I just don't have reason to drive it anymore and it's a shame to leave such a great car sitting under a cover all the time.
Cheap to insure with no road tax, ULEZ or MOT required (and the London congestion charge cameras can't read the old fashioned numberplate! I think the same is true of LTN cameras but I haven't rigourously tested this).
Amazons are highly valued as practical classics that are really good to drive. This one has done me proud as a rolling restoration for over a quarter of a century and could do the same again with minimal work. As an historic vehicle it doesn't require an annual MOT but, for everybody's peace of mind, it has just been serviced with MOT until July 2027 (there is an advisory about surface rust on underside but Deaconcraft have confirmed this isn't serious and is pretty much inevitable on a car of this age. The crucial welding was done in 2011. Please see pics)
The car comes wth a large amount of paperwork including all receipts from my ownership and well beyond, as well as the original service manuals. There is also a large box of bits including a repaired visor with original fittings, full length cover, steering lock, hydraulic jack, stands, spare set of hub caps, air filter foam, battery charger, bodywork and polishing gear and other bits as shown. Also top up fluids and battery/ anti freeze testers, jump starter leads. Basically all you are going to need for another 27 years!
Happy to answer any questions and viewing is definitely encouraged (I'm in Central London, N1). Priced to sell and payment by electronic transfer to my bank account please.
