Volvo’s model 122 series had a VW Bug-like existence, in that its appearance barely changed between its introduction (1956) and its conclusion (1970). At the start, it had a typical in-the-flow design, but by the end, it looked dated. Regardless, almost 700,000 were sold in that fifteen-year run, so I’d suggest that’s pretty good shootin’. Today’s 1967 example, a 122S, is still looking nappy, with plenty of originality, and has likely been the recipient of careful use and proper maintenance. Claiming San Francisco, California, as its home base, this 85,000-mile two-door sedan is available here on eBay for a current bid of $3,550, with the reserve not yet met.
Available as a two or four-door sedan, and later a station wagon, I recall a time when these were “everywhere” cars – you couldn’t take a drive without encountering one of these instantly recognizable Swedes. And speaking of being everywhere, the seller tells us, “Beautiful Volvo 122s purchased new in 1967, having taken advantage of the Volvo Overseas Delivery Program,” and adds that it has been driven all over Europe and even paid a visit to Red Square in Moscow. The listing images pretty well do the talkin’ but the seller does state, “not perfect but very presentable as is. Paint is bubbling around the right side lower windshield and the lower right door.”
The listing doesn’t say much about the power department, but research indicates that the prime mover should be a 95 HP, 1.8-litre, in-line four-cylinder engine, and it drives the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The seller does claim, “Runs excellent with recent complete ignition tune-up and carburetors overhauled. Cooling system recently upgraded with a new aluminum radiator, hoses and thermostat.”
The images of the interior are disjointed, and there isn’t one that captures the environment in totality. What is evident is tan vinyl upholstery that is showing typical signs of age and wear (seam splitting). That trend is noticed with the door panels, too, so at least the wear is consistent.
The instrument panel reveals some indication of age, but the horizontal speedometer and its blocky font numerals are a cool, Volvo-identifying trait.
One could argue that the 122 was looking a little long in the tooth by the end of its production run, but the flip side to that argument is that its distinctive and instantly recognizable styling is what made this durable little model still attractive to a particular buyer’s market. So tell me, has anyone owned a Volvo 122 series, and if so, how was the experience?
These were the sort of car your teacher or college professor drove back in the day. I remember the newspaper ads for these, practically a full-page spread talking about how they well they were constructed and how reliable they were, which wasn’t a bunch of hot air either. They were used in off-road rallies after all. I’ve sort of wanted one of these, but they’re getting hard to find. That’s to be expected after all these years. This car needs restoration obviously, the mismatched seats don’t do it justice, but if that’s the worst of it, whoever buys this will get a good restoration “starter”.
I owned 544’s, 122’s, and my favorite – a 123GT, and they are amazing cars – strong, reliable, comfortable, and quirky. The M40 transmission shifts like butter, the engine always starts when the twin SU’s are properly set up, and almost every suspension part can easily be replaced. I remember that when I bought one of my 122’s for $500, it needed absolutely nothing except a fiber timing gear and a driveshaft bearing/support rubber. It still ran perfectly when I sold it 5 years later!
And my 123GT was probably the best and most fun car I owned!
I bought a new 1963 and drove it for 10 years. Other than a lady hitting us almost head on it was great. No mechanical issues at all. The push rods didn’t show wear after 10 years.
These are great safe drivers. I had a ’67 in ’74 for 700 bucks with a smashed fender. I replaced it with a fiberglass one and drove it for 4 years on the OSU campus. I loved it but sold it for 3 times what I paid for all of it. I’ve owned a dozen vintage volvos since with a 544 currently. So simple even I could keep them going!
it’s been a fun company to follow (till the mid-late ‘80s then the ’10 Chinese buy & ‘off the cliff’). 123GT, Bertone (240), ES, later the P1 platform w/Ford (S40/v50).
I had the Amazon, 240, 850 all waggys. I think quality went down each model. The europeans did their market research in early ‘80s and pivoted to luxury, ‘larger’, auto transmis. I think the college survey boys (German/other MBAs) got it wrong. Lookit the MB decline, Swedes, S.Europe – all started @ that time. Has that decision benefited the industry (here? there?). No matter, bring on the EV. The past has rambled off ‘thata way’~
Good write-up and a very nice car, but I thought 1967 was the last year for the 1 series Volvos, maybe a few were sold as 68s.
The 68’s had a bunch of “safety” upgrades, vinyl trim on the sharp edges etc. They were sold through 68 in the states and 70 in Canada and the rest of the world. I can’t imagine life without on of these cars in the driveway.
You’re in.my camp!
I’ve had at least one for 50 years. I do numerous updates and upgrades to them
Ebay ad mentions voltage regulator upgrade. Anybody recognize it or know anything about it?
If I were in the market for an affordable and reliable classic this is what I would look for. Timeless styling, anvil-like reliability, quirky enough to be cool. I’ve had three Volvos (1970 142, 2006 XC70, 2009 C30) and can’t praise them enough. The early “agricultural” ones are the cheapest to run but the later “upscale” ones also have their virtues and are reliable once sorted.
68 122’s can most quickly be identified by fender reflectors and headrests.
It depends what market the car is built for.
I know a1968 123GT that has the under dash pad and break away steering column but no marker lights, no headrests and single master cylinder.
Later Amazons have a letter in the vin that indicates year.
Not logical order
“M” 1967
“P” 1968
Best friend in high school (1965-1969) had a 66 122S for his first car. It proved to be indestructible despite the challenges we put it through. His had an interesting option. A roll up shade in front of the radiator that was controlled by a cord pull inside the cabin. Obviously for regulating the water temp in cold weather. Never came in very handy in West Texas. Have never seen another one with this option. Nevertheless, these were great cars and were bullet proof. The kind of small car we need now a days.
Yes, there was a roller-blind at the bottom of the radiator, pulled up by a chain thru a right-angle tube on the center of the radiator, and back into the car. Worked a treat in New England winters, where some other cars never warmed up properly!
I had a 66 122S wagon in the 80’s, followed by one of each: 142, 144, 145, the third number being the number of doors, 145 the wagon. The 140 series that I drove were all with twin Stromberg carbs, the 122S had SU carbs. My friend had issues with his 144E with the electronic fuel injection, so I liked the earlier ones better. The SU carbs are very simple and easy to synchronize using a Uni syn tool or even a hose to your ear, listening for a similar sound. My TR3A car also had SU’s. The car for sale here may have had carb work but not so recently judging from the white powder build up on aluminum. That can be easily wiped off so not great for photo.
This Volvo looked familiar. It is on SFO CL for 12K. Cool little ride, not sure of the price. Good luck!