Several new parts have improved this 1967 Volvo wagon’s condition, but the seller indicates it needs a bit more work before it can be driven. What, exactly, is missing from its mechanical repertoire isn’t revealed, but prospective buyers can investigate further via the advertisement here on craigslist. The price is $13,000, and the wagon is located in New Hope, Pennsylvania. We owe thanks to Jack M. for passing along the tip!
As early as 1950, Volvo began thinking about refreshing its P444/544. The new car would be called the Amason – igniting a trademark dispute with Kreidler, a motorcycle maker, who was already using the name. A slight change in the model’s spelling satisfied, but did not save Kreidler, which promptly went bankrupt. The Amazon’s long gestation triangulates through two designers at Volvo – Jan Wilsgaard and Helmer Petterson – and a third – businessman Gösta Wennberg – who was pitching an Italian-bodied concept car called the Elisabeth I. After false starts all around, Jan Wilsgaard sorted things out, and the Amazon entered production in 1956 as a four-door sedan; the wagon was introduced in 1962. The heavier wagon utilized Volvo’s B18 1778 cc four-cylinder, tuned for 100 hp, backed by a four-speed manual. This example has a new gas tank, new fuel and water pumps, new brakes, and a host of other mechanical improvements.
The interior has been slightly refreshed as well, with new dash padding. What we’re able to see of the seats and door panels looks fine, and the headliner is hanging in there. The cargo floor needs attention. The seller notes that the Blaupunkt radio is original to the car, and several manuals accompany the sale.
The paint is faded and oxidized, but we’re promised little to no rust, thanks to the car’s long stint in Arizona. The seller notes that the chrome trim is new. Despite all the work and money invested here, the market dictates that nice examples of these wagons – turnkey Cars ‘N Coffee prospects – sell for $12k to $13k. If I had my heart set on a wagon, I’d wait for the seller to notice the discrepancy between his offering and market prices before I’d make a pitch for this project car; what do you think?
I have to think that 13K should buy a way-nicer example of a 122 wagon. Sure, a lot of stuff has been done to the car, but the ancillary mechanicals on the 122 aren’t that difficult or expensive. So just what does it need to be roadworthy?
In the end, these are cute and bulletproof, but not particularly fun.