The Volvo Amazon series had a long, slow start. It really began from mistakes made by young Jan Wilsgaard back in 1950. Responding to Volvo’s inclination to produce a four-seat passenger car, his design was V8 powered but unbearably heavy; one example is on display at the Volvo Museum in Switzerland. Working in tandem, Helmer Petterson created another prototype based on the PV444; this one contributed the split grille to the final product. A Vignale design made progress toward a four-seat layout. Finally, some six years after the idea first surfaced for a modern four-seat passenger car, the Amazon (originally “Amason”) 122 emerged. The estate wagon did not arrive until 1962. About 73,000 examples were made. Here on eBay is a 1967 Volvo 122S wagon for sale, bid to $5999, reserve met. You will need a trailer to bring this project car home from San Antonio, Texas.
The sturdy engine was just one of the virtues of the 122S. Displacing 1778 cc’s, the standard in-line four-cylinder with dual SU carbs is rated at about 95 bhp. But in this year two dual-carb engines were available – one with a higher compression ratio called the B18B, good for another several ponies. The transmission is a four-speed manual. This driveline has seen record-breaking mileage figures, so the odometer reading of 88,000 miles makes this example a youngtimer. The seller notes that the engine turns freely but that the car has been in storage for over thirty years. Most likely all systems need thorough vetting. After the mechanical work, elbow grease will dramatically improve this engine bay.
The interior is worn but the right elixirs and some time will bring this car back to something approximating “average”. The rear seats show some wear – did this guy have kids?! That’s what the wagon is for! The VDO gauges are incorporated in a single pod, including water temperature, speedometer, trip and regular odometer, and fuel.
The underside of this long-stored wagon is about as dry and straight as one can find. Of course, an in-person exam will be better than any suite of photos, but we’re seeing a good start. The body is said to be rust-free, and the listing shows no obvious dents. The chrome is straight as a pin, though it’s hard to judge the finish. This car is catnip for collectors with its desirable colors and easy mechanicals, and the price is still reasonable. Where do you think this one will sell?
What a nice wagon. Wish I had the room for one more. It wouldn’t take a huge outlay of funds to have a decent looking driver. The mechanical work required is not complicated and could be completed by the average gearhead. These are satisfying to drive and with 88 thousand miles, will last well into the age of electric.
Another Volvo Amazon. Lovely looking car. I’d buy one if I was in the market for a car. I’ve always loved cars of this vintage. Given its condition, I’d be willing to pay around the $6,000 asking price. I like cars that were attractive to look at, while at the same time is rugged enough to take most of what life throws at it.
I had a 63 122S but it did not have the big hunk of metal sitting on the drivers front fender in front of the brake cylinder. Anyone know what that is?
Have a great day.
I think you’re referring to the Girling brake booster with Brake pipes and a vacuum hose to it. Many of these have been removed and I don’t remember what year they started having them.
I think 67 was the first year for the booster. At the time when I had a 69 1800 it had one however it was shot and the rebuild kits were unavailable. I removed it and really felt the brake effort was manageable. Many have these removed and if your not on the show field, most would not notice, or care.
great car, one of the best that I’ve ever owned…mine was identical, except the colour was grey! Bought it at 70.000 miles drove it another 100,000 miles….great problem free endevour! Mine had an A/C add-on unit, which was good for our S W Florida life. It’s life came to and abrupt end with a head on collision….thanx to Volvo engineering and seat belts there were no injuries…the insurance company wrote it off as a total loss! Every bit as good as my old 1962, B18, 544!
To Homer:
That metal hunk looks like a power brake vacuum servo.
NIKOLAT
Read the listing “Winner must send a $800 deposit right at auction end by ZELLE, Cash app. Apple Pay or Wire in.”
No payments through ebay= no buyer recourse if it’s a scam or not as described.
Hard pass.
Recent seller feedback ain’t pretty either.
Didn’t look at that previously, he insulted and blamed the buyer as well in his reply to the negative feedback that was left for him.
An honest seller will allow all payments to be made through ebay, this way everyone is protected.
Sellers that blame it on the ebay fees and try to avoid them should just choose another platform to sell on, it’s not like there aren’t other options.
Buyers who accept that should just accept being ripped off as well.
Just to set the record straight, the Volvo Museum is in Sweden, not Switzerland! If you like Volvos you will love the Volvo Museum. It includes all the products made by Volvo over the years including cars, trucks, buses, construction equipment, and marine and industrial engines. For years now the car operations have been owned by a separate company from the other Volvo products, but the Museum solutes their common history. If you really like Volvos, you will love the Museum! But remember to go to Gothenburg, Sweden to see it, not Switzerland!
Good to see the winning bidder protected himself with a new (0 feedback) account.
My favourite of the Volvo Amazon (122s) are the early models (1960-65). I’d buy a 1963 Volvo 122s wagon if it was available here in the Northwest area.
Why?
I prefer the later models with more improvements and upgrades.
I have a 68 and have added more improvements myself.
Improvements? Like what?
Car Nut Tacoma
I’ll list a few.
68’s had by Volvo:
dual circuit brakes (I prefer the Wagner rear brake adjuster over
the Girling)
headrests
More interior safety things…lower dashpad, soft switch knobs
that I didn’t like, steering wheel/horn ring
Steering column that would separate, unlike the 66 style that
gave me a skull fracture.
My 68 Amazon Estate (came with a heavy trailer hitch) and then got:
Alternator (also has adjustable electronic regulator)
Latching relay to flash and dip headlamps instead of foot dip
switch
Marchal H4s
Halogen bulbs in back (this was 30 years ago)
Sway bars
Progressive overload springs (hauling and tongue weight)
Electric brake unit ( trailer weight 6-8k sometimes, maybe more)
Removed the emissions vacuum leaker intake manifold.
14 x 7 Shelby Cal 500 wheels
Sun visor from AU
M41 OD
That’s all I could remember at the moment.
Why do you prefer the earliar?
So tempting… I was the second owner of a ’68 122S wagon and loved it. I sold it to and I am told that it is still going strong. I wish I still had it!
I know the feeling. I’ve driven cars that I sold because of other things, but are still running and driving just fine.
@ Rallye: Those are great improvements, and I’d certainly appreciate those safety and performance improvements. I just find the earlier models more attractive to look at. If you look at the 1963, 1965, and 1967 122s grille, you’ll see what I mean. My favourite years are 1963 and 1965.