Volvo 122 S Amazon Estate, 1968
Volvo 120 Series
Volvo 120 Series•
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Chassis No.: 061481
Engine No.: 22734
Registration: FMA 678F
In 1956, a prototype of a new passenger car from Volvo was released. The car became known as the Amazon in Sweden but badged the 121 and 122S on the export market. In September 1961, yet another version based on the 121/122S was presented, a two door saloon. This version was an eagerly awaited model, particularly by the Swedish market, as Sweden was a typical market for two door cars at that time. The estate version was introduced at the 1962 Stockholm Auto Show and Volvo manufactured 73,000 examples between 1962 and 1969.
These cars featured a two-piece tailgate with the lower section folding down to provide a load surface and the upper section that hinged overhead, which was innovative at the time considering that Range Rover introduced them to their new 4X4 later than Volvo. The vehicle's rear license plate, attached to the lower tailgate, could 'fold up' such that when the tailgate was lowered and the vehicle was in use, the license plate was still visible – clever! The Amazon platform was used as the basis for the P1800 and 1800ES, famed the world over of course as being used by The Saint and Roger Moore!
This wonderful example was restored in South Africa and was imported from there in 2018. The original engine block has been modified to two litres to accommodate a Mercedes-Benz SLK pistons and has been fitted with a Mercedes-Benz Supercharger from a Kompressor model which gives it great performance as you can imagine. The interior is in superb condition and has been re trimmed in black leather. The suspension at the front has been lowered slightly and the rear raised, creating a cracking looking car with performance to match. A lot of fun but still a practical family car by today’s standards!
