Unrestored 1963 Volvo 122S
Between its debut in 1956 and this 1963 model, Volvo’s Amason turned Amazon turned 122 watched much of the world abandon its ’50s styling. Still, this 1963 Volvo 122S, “S” for Sports, offered a welcome alternative to ponderous American sedans. Readily accommodating a family of four, the 122S demonstrated nimble rally-bred handling and a lovely B18 engine known for reliability and fun. This never-restored specimen in Johnstown, Pennsylvania looks well-kept with about 81,000 miles on the odometer, difficult to dispute based on the pictures. Thanks to reader Ted for submitting a tip on this Swedish two-door.
Bright red pops against the cream-colored paint, and the seller claims “solid” floors beneath the utilitarian rubber mats. A four-speed manual gearbox changes cogs. The 1:1 fourth gear and 4.10 rear axle make for a sporty high-RPM driving experience. Thanks to SR793 for some details. Standard front disc brakes calm forward momentum when needed.
A fan of American styling, Volvo designer Jan Wilsgaard gave the 122S a unique look that recalls mid-1950s cars that were new as he put pencil to paper for this 122S (originally Amason then the more international Amazon). Already a bit “retro” by 1963, the 122S has been described as hinting at Kaizer lines or an early ’50s Chrysler. Regardless, it’s distinctively Volvo and splendidly executed. Thanks to CurbsideClassic for some details.
As you might have guessed, the B18 displaces approximately 1800 cc, 1778 to be exact (108.5 cid). With five main bearings and twin carburetors, this B18 made about 90 HP at 5000 RPM, though Wikipedia reports it could rev to 6500. My mostly-stock ’89 5.0 Mustang could hit 6500 too, for about three seconds before throwing a rod through the block. The B18’s epic longevity includes powering the world’s highest vehicle mileage, a sporty Volvo P1800 that covered over 3 million miles. Wow! This one is not running, but turns, according to the seller.
Original or not, that lipstick-red upholstery looks great. I’d gladly hop back there, though I’d prefer to take the wheel. My late Uncle owned one of these during the counter-culture ’60s, his companion to my Aunt’s first-year Mustang, both of which weighed about 2400 lb, a ton lighter than many modern sedans. Check out more pictures and details on Facebook Marketplace where $4800 buys this complete 122S plus an extra B18 and transmission. Sick of modern technology numbing your driving experience? This practical, long-lasting classic Volvo might be the answer.
Comments
Volvo made some nice little cars. I have known several people who were very loyal to the brand. They are built like tanks and look a little different but still easy on the eyes.
They’re good cars and, as mentioned, capable of huge mileages.
Rot around the headlight is fairly standard; it was what did for a pal of mine’s estate version about 30 years ago. Panel availability might be better nowadays.
I came across one of these in a local wrecking yard
years ago.It was BRG,& in near perfect condition,with
a wooden steering wheel & amber rear turn signal lenses.
It was in my pre-internet days.I tried to find someone
to get parts off of it,as they wouldn’t sell the whole vehicle.
Sad the it probably went to the crusher without someone at
least getting some really nice parts off of it.
I bought one of these 122 sedans sight unseen for $1500 off the interwebs around 2018 out of Charleston, WV , with the intention of running it in the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Kickoff Rallye. My wife and I had run the Rallye a few times before that.
I tuned the car up, ran new brake lines, and a friend in Columbus dialed the dual Strombergs to perfection. My wife (as always) was game to join me in another crazy adventure, and the Volvo did great and we finished in the middle of the pack. These cars are quite basic and easy to work on, robust, and plenty comfortable. The 1800 Volvos are essentially the exact same car with a tight dress on.
Close enough to go see, quirky enough to be fun, and a true practical classic for a reasonable price.
So of course a sale is now pending….
Always liked this car. In fact, I almost bought one as my first car but the used car dealer didn’t do any of what he promised to do prior to my buying it, so I walked. It would have been a 63 I think. Wound up buying a 66 Saab 96 3 cylinder/2 cycle instead for $600.
I owned a 122S for 10 years from 1963 to 73 and it was a great little car. Never had a problem of any kind until a lady hit us head on and my wife’s head met the windshield. It was less than a year old then. Way back then we didn’t wear the seatbelts. Very solid dependable car.
You never changed a water pump? Or had cam and lifter problems or timing gear?
I owned an Imported Auto Parts store for over 30 years and was in the business for over 40 years.
I bought a new 70 145 and an 80 245 (slow learner). Volvo was probably the most overrated car during the time I was in the business, from 72 to 2011
I worked for a Volvo dealer in 1974. They had begun to refuse to work on the older 544 & 122 models believing those customers couldn’t support the cost of upkeep like the well heeled buyers of the 144/164. I started my own shop to service them. People always asked why I didn’t drive a Volvo. I said because every time I saw one it was broken. ( I was driving Morris Minor 1000s). After leaving the dealership I started collecting Volvo cars, 122,125,140,240. I had twelve at one point. Great fun cars. Inner fender rust was an issue along with headlights surrounds. Once, the limiting straps on the rear of a wagon snapped as I raced to the firehouse for an alarm. After the call I belted the limit back and drove home. I once hit an 18 wheeler’s lost rim on the highway. I changed the flat and drove home although the suspension was never the same. About 15 American cars that hit the rim were destroyed. I had to drive half a mile just to pull over. Fun to drive, fast, good handling and seat belts. I became an expert at balancing twin carbs by ear with a vacuum cleaner extension. I learned that most carb issues were from worn bushings in the throttle plate. Your choices rich idled or best idle/ poor top end.
I, too worked in a Volvo dealership (1971) on 440’s/540’s, 120’s and 140’s/160’s and grew to love them. I later opened my own service shop and continued to work on then and the later 240 series. They were all great, solid, dependable cars, even in the high road salt NE winters. The 142E with Bosch fuel injection was even relatively quick and sporty to drive. The main bugaboo in the otherwise bulletproof engine was the fiber timing gear., I have seen many Volvos of this era with well over 200k miles still going strong.
Nice one, Todd, and a great find, Ted! The listing says “Pending” so someone must be a serious buyer, this sure looks like a nice project.
Learned to drive stick when I was 14 on a 122S. Loved the pull-up radiator curtain on a chain under the dash. Great heat in the worst winter. Tough cars. Owned many Volvos over the years.
Not running may be an issue, even with a spare engine, but the interior looks fine. I had a wagon version about 30 years ago that was a good car.
Sweet…….and should be gone by now…..