Some enthusiasts place the idea of a first restoration project in the “too-hard” basket, fearing that even the initial purchase price of a classic will prove to be an obstacle that is too great to overcome. That’s when cars like this 1966 Volvo 122S ride to the rescue. It is a solid classic that runs and drives well. The buyer can enjoy it immediately, treating it to a cosmetic refresh as time, circumstances, and their budget allow. The seller has listed this turnkey Swedish gem here on eBay in La Habra, California. They set their BIN at $6,000, but indicate that they are willing to negotiate.

Volvo introduced the Amazon to the North American market in 1959 as the 122S, unveiling the car at that year’s New York International Auto Show. The company offered three body styles, with our featured Volvo ordered by its first owner as the popular two-door sedan variant. Its history is unclear, but scrutinizing the listing images confirms that it is in need of a cosmetic restoration. The Red paint holds a warm shine, but has deteriorated significantly on some surfaces. There are also a few visible panel bumps and bruises, but none justifying steel replacement. One thing that it doesn’t appear to need is rust repairs. There is no evidence of problems in the images, and the seller doesn’t mention any in the text. Some trim pieces will benefit from a trip to the platers, but the glass is clear. The seller added a set of American Racing wheels that give this classic a more aggressive appearance.

One of the greatest strengths of Volvos from this era hides under the hood. The company’s B-Series four-cylinder engine range is renowned for ruggedness, with competitors in Swedish domestic rally competition continuing to utilize these motors instead of more modern alternatives. They can withstand incredible punishment, and it isn’t unusual to find these powerplants with 300,000 miles under their belts while receiving little work beyond routine maintenance. According to the 1966 Sales Brochure, the 1.8-liter B18D four powering this 122 S delivered 95hp and 108 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. It will hardly scorch the pavement, but should effortlessly cruise for hours at freeway speed while returning excellent fuel economy. The seller recently replaced the radiator and fuel tank, also treating the Volvo to a wheel alignment, fresh oil, and a filter. It appears to be a turnkey proposition, allowing the buyer to fly in and drive it home.

This Volvo’s interior springs a pleasant surprise, because it looks better than many survivor-grade examples previously seen at Barn Finds. The back seat exhibits some slight developing seam separations that might respond to attention from an upholsterer. Otherwise, the remaining Black vinyl is in good order, the carpet is presentable, and the dashpad hasn’t suffered the typical splitting issues. The factory AM radio is intact, although the seller added a modern stereo between the seats and a tachometer mounted on the dash.

Affordability is often a key consideration in any classic purchase, particularly for enthusiasts on a limited income. The prospect of a five-figure investment can be overwhelming, leading some to consign their passion to a dream. This 1966 Volvo 122S is undeniably affordable, and the seller’s willingness to negotiate could make it even more so. Its lack of apparent rust and turnkey status will allow the new owner to get their financial ducks in a row before committing to any cosmetic work. These cars enjoy a reputation for longevity and bulletproof reliability, making this Volvo a worthy consideration.