Volvo 121 Amazon Estate (Ruddspeed), 1965
Volvo 120 Series
Volvo 120 Series•
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Chassis No.: 30944
Engine No.: 284391
- Transmission: Manual
- Body Colour: White
A very rare surviving example of the UK-supplied Volvo Amazon Estate car fitted in period with performance upgrades by the legendary Ken Rudd of Ruddspeed. Launched at the 1962 Stockholm Motor Show, the 121 Estate (aka 221 or Combi) combined Scandinavian durability with practical design, making it a standout family wagon of its era. It was ahead of its time and paved the way for Volvo’s leadership in estate cars for decades to follow. Designed by Jan Wilsgaard, the Amazon’s clean ponton styling and sturdy steel construction gave it a modern yet classic look. Its body was surprisingly light for its size, aiding fuel economy and performance.
In the mid-1960s, Ken Rudd, noted tuner of Alfas, AC and Fords, turned his hand to the Volvo Amazon with over 100 UK cars sent to him by Volvo dealers to be fitted with the legendary Ruddspeed performance and handling conversion. Only a few of those were estates and we guess that even fewer survive. By focusing on allowing the cylinder head to breathe better, along with fitting spicier camshafts, uprated valve springs and tweaked carburation, Ken Rudd was able to build Amazons that really flew.
They also offered a handling package (See Seller Rating for details) The engine of this 221 carries a Ruddspeed plaque on the rocker box cover and on the block (6286) and, as Ruddspeed ceased trading in the early 1970s, we imagine that they were affixed in period. We would like to think that this is one of the very rare Amazon Estates tuned by Ken Rudd in period but can't warrant this. The research could be fun. JPO 608C was restored in 2003 and still presents well in Pearl White complemented by immaculate chrome and a tidy interior.
In dry storage for past five years; recently recommissioned and serviced (with genuine oil filter), new air filter unit, new clutch master cylinder, dynamo replaced, wheels refreshed and new battery. The odometer currently indicates 68,076 miles and the car is accompanied by a small history file with invoices, log books etc.
https://www.iconicauctioneers.com/1965-volvo-121-estate-rec16181-1-nec-1125?pn=0&el=34792&pp=0
