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.
Good job Michelle,
You know ive worked on and driven various racecars, rally cars, exotics and some that others cant or wont.
For 50 years I’ve had at least 1 Amazon. The Estate had been with me sonce the 80s. With its updates and mods, it hauls, tows and handles daily when there’s no salt on the roads. Wider wheels, tires and Sway bars transform the Amazons.
I dont think this one is overpriced.
There’s no mention of brakes. Wheels and hubcaps appear to be from a 4 wheel disc cars that has a different bolt circle.
Those hub caps are unique. There’s a rubber seal around the OD and a rubber doughnut seal around the center bolt.
Interesting observation, those would be 140-series wheels and they normally wouldn’t fit on the Amazon.
My dad had an Amazon 1968-70 and it was the car he liked the least in his life. He named it ”Oxen” – the ox – because he found it heavy and unpleasant to drive. Despite being a Swede, he never owned a Volvo again after that experience. I have owned quite a few, back in the 1980’s you could buy them for the equivalent of $50-100, fix some simple things and drive it for a month or two and flip it for $250-300. But for me a 1971 Volvo 145 would be ”peak Volvo”.
This could be a 68. It has the steering wheel and headrests found on 68 us market cars and not on any 67s for any market. It doesn’t have the 2 piece steering column that separates found on us spec 68s (i require this part on my cars. 1skull fracture is enough.) It has the dual circuit brakes with the failure warning lamp that doubles as parking brake indicator poisoned near lamp switch.
Where the vin is stamped above the heater, later cars have a letter in the middle. M=67…p=68
Recently learned amazons produced in Canada dont have the letter there. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what is updated, backdated or built for?
These go forever! I had an identical one. It couldn’t out last a drunk hitting it when it was parked and pushing the bumper up under the axle :-(.
I had a 1966 version exactly like this wagon about 40 years ago, sold running well for about $500 if I remember but in #4 condition. This one might be a good #3 driver.
My Uncle Don always had a Volvo as a daily driver and a Thunderbird for weekends and good weather.My first Volvo memory as a wee lad was one of these,he bought a new one about every 3-4 years so i have a soft spot for Volvos,especially the Amazons.
I’ve always liked Volvos from the first time I saw a 240 but I’ve never owned one, nor any Volvo for that matter. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t however, and this one ranks pretty high on my cool practical vehicle list, especially with the extra rebuilt engine and the overall condition of it. The reserve seems to have been met too btw, it’s at $14750 now and the Reserve Not Met is gone.
I see a 1966 122 Discovery for $ 39,000 on Phoenix FB Marketplace.
122 discovery???
Yes, if you look at it let us know your thoughts.
Can you post a link t o 122 discovery
?
I wish I knew how to do that .I just looked again the guy is a Pastor at a church in Tempe AZ.20 pictures of the car.Fully restored with air.Phoenix Facebook Marketplace. Maybe some poster on here could help.
Did a google search and found it:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2690037271378540/
Thanks John.
122 discovery is not Volvo nomenclature.
Perhaps the pastor discovered it?
It appears to be nicely redone, not restored to original. Alternator, other upgrades and 122s badges with 121 intake?.
Its by far the most I’ve seen anyone ask for an Amazon 4 door. I’m not sure if its a 122s. 121 was not sold here by Volvo. Amazon 121 was the economy version. Single SU, lowered compression resulted in only 65-75hp. If that wasn’t bad enough, c/r was lowered with a horribly thick head gasket that destroyed VE (volumetric efficiency). I think it had other cost saving bits but ive never seen a 121 in person.
I’m still learning the variations in Amazons built from 56-70, produced in 4(?) countries sold to numerous markets that had different safety and other regulations. More on that in another post on the 122 estate here.
Went thru 3 240 wagons as my only Volvo owners driving experiences. All during the early years of raising kids and running a small contracting and then a woodworking business. Solid cars from the Swedes! Loved each for their own quirks and ability to do just about anything I needed.
Always wanted a 122 wagon but moved on to w124 Merc wagons instead, now on my 3rd from Mercedes.
This wagon though gets me going. I’d leave it just as is and drive it for a bit before any upgrading or modifying to suit my minds eye. Kids are gone but still running a small cabinetry operation. This wagon could serve my needs nicely, if not more gently than the 64 D100 also listed today on BF.
Awesome car! I’ve seen a few Volvo 122 Wagon over the years.
Always loved this one built by stuntman Guy Martin. Ridiculously modified but on the net racing Ferrari’s Teslas and alike.
https://www.reddit.com/r/carporn/comments/cwhu4k/guy_martins_1967_volvo_amazon_estate_788hp/
Always loved this modified Volvo 122 Amazon wagon. Fastest car in Britain.
https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-2790676/fastest-car-britain-grey-1967-volvo-daredevil-s-supercharged-family-estate-car-hit-205mph-thanks-788-horsepower-engine.html
Always loved this modified Volvo 122 Amazon wagon. Fastest car in Britain.
https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-2790676/fastest-car-britain-grey-1967-volvo-daredevil-s-supercharged-family-estate-car-hit-205mph-thanks-788-horsepower-engine.html
No one in their right mind would part with one of these! Antoine has a 65 that he installed the OD. These vehicles are stunning, always completely rebuildable. An excellent find.
I love that it’s in Taos-a perfect backdrop for a 122!