Volvo’s Amazon series was launched in 1956 and enjoyed a long run through 1970. This model is a cult classic, generating fervor among Volvo fans around the world. Norway, Amsterdam, Sweden, the UK, Australia, and America host clubs dedicated to the Amazon. The wagon body style arrived in 1962, after the sedans had already carved out a hunky share of the family car market. Offered only as a four-door with a two-way tailgate, the wagon sold about 73,000 units against hundreds of thousands of sedans. This example listed here on eBay has been thoughtfully upgraded and, as a bonus, comes with several serious parts, including two engines. Bidding has reached $13,600, reserve not met. The car is located in Taos, New Mexico, and the seller has 100% positive feedback.
This is Volvo’s 1.8-liter, in-line B18 four, and it’s running well, according to the seller. From the factory, the B18 produced about 100 hp – but an improved gear ratio versus the sedan and this particular car’s four-speed overdrive gearbox makes the driving experience a joy. These engines are robust and well-known for exceeding “mechanical limits” by notching hundreds of thousands of miles. This car has electronic ignition, and it comes with two extra engines – a rebuilt-but-never-run B20, and a disassembled B18 – as well as two sets of carbs – a new Mikuni conversion set, and a couple of SUs. The carb you see above is a Weber. The underside is clean, and that exhaust system looks fairly new. The seller notes a minor oil leak from the engine after shut-down.
The interior is fine, though the seller notes a couple of cracks and fit issues in the dash pad, a non-working horn, and hissing coming from the aftermarket stereo. The car was repainted at some point, and the restorer took the opportunity to install insulation in the cabin and replace all the seals, producing a quiet ride. Though the wagons weren’t known for their handling prowess, the seller indicates that his car’s front end has been well maintained, so it’s not dodgy in the curves.
The cargo area is clean and capacious, especially once the rear seat is folded down. The trim and lenses are bright and clear; the seller notes a few cracks in the paint where the hood was apparently bumped – but no dents. The current price is generous – deservedly so – but I’m not sure there’s much more upside to the bidding, given recent sales prices of similar vehicles. Have you ever owned an Amazon? What did you think of it?
Lovely car. I’ve always loved the Volvo Amazon (122s) My favourite years are 1960-66.
Volvo fan here. I’ve always dug the 122/Amazon cars, and while I don’t really need a wagon, this would do just fine.
Considering the number of small items that need to be rectified, I wish the price was a little lower, but you can’t argue with bidders. Aside from fixing all those niggles, I’d definitely replace the Weber carb with the proper SUs. The do the job and are dead simple to work on. Otherwise, the engine can be run probably forever, and I’d keep the B20 on hand to pop in if needed.
From what I’ve seen, Volvos from this era will last longer than most mountain ranges. I like looking at them and, even better, driving them.