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.
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’~