Low Mile Amazon: 1967 Volvo 122s
Safety has always been the cornerstone of Volvo’s business model. For example, it was the first global auto manufacturer to have front seat belts as standard equipment in the 1950s. This thought process carried over to the 122s, which was built in Sweden for 15 years and became quite popular with worldwide sales of nearly 700,000 units. This 1967 edition looks to be in fair condition for its age and mileage and we’re told it’s in good running order. From Antioch, California, this Volvo is available here on craigslist for $10,500. We appreciate T.J. bringing this import to our attention.
On its home turf, the 122s was known as the Amazon and it was in production from 1956 to 1970. However, they were not brought over to the U.S. until 1959 and were available as a 4-door sedan, station wagon, and 2-door sedan/coupe (like the seller’s car). That body style comprised nearly half of the automobile’s production. With its high roof and seating position, it was a very roomy car for its size.
This 122s has the B18 engine, a 1778 cc inline-4 with dual carburetors. It’s paired with a floor-shifted 4-speed manual transmission. At 83,000 miles, the Volvo is said to be mostly original although the passenger side front fender was repainted several years ago and no longer matches with the rest of the vehicle. Rust doesn’t seem to be a major problem, though there are some bubbles brewing in the paint. The undercarriage is quite solid, perhaps having been undercoated.
The interior of this Volvo looks acceptable but is showing its age. On the other hand, the engine compartment is tidy and the intake manifold, carburetors, and air cleaners look like they may have been recently replaced. Everyone I’ve ever known who owned a Volvo of this vintage always thought highly of these cars.
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Comments
Good to see the prices come down,even if it’s just a little bit,
on these.
Back around 1974,I was staying with a friend in the Twin Peaks
part of San Francisco.I talked to a guy who came to look at a 122
next door that was in perfect shape.He told me that they were asking
$700 for it,which was cheap even then.
I’ve had 4 of these at various times of my driving career. They were all great to drive and carried me from Ohio to Alberta, to the the tip of Nova Scotia, Texas, Florida, and many points near and far. All without drama. Easy to DIY and economical. The Wagons made practical campers, and the sedans nimble and compact road cars that could cruise at 70 all day. This looks like a good one that will provide good service for whoever buys it.
Amazons are likely my favorite car. I haven’t been without one since the mid 70s. I’ve been thinkin of putting one together to drive in winter ( and rallycross) because they were so much fun in the snow but haven’t driven one in the snow for years due to parking em when they salt the roads.
This car has numerous flaws but is very solid and could be driven home anywhere.
Wow, and to think I sold our cherry 1966 122S wagon, with an overdrive transmission, for about half that price many years ago.
Coupes are retaining value, despite being the most popular body style when new. Wagons, which were approximately 10% of total production, don’t seem to be attracting the same numbers at auction.
The mismatched paint and incorrect wheel color, and poor DIY carpet job certainly detracts from the overall value. Adding the M41 overdrive transmission really changes the personality of these cars on the highway. The trunk lid emblem and steering column suggest that this car was originally an automatic which was later fitted with a manual transmission. The original driveshaft for a BW35 automatic is the correct length for an overdrive transmission swap, but I don’t see anything here that would indicate an overdrive switch, so it likely received the standard M40.
I had a ’63 like this is a green color that was a great driver. A lady hit us head on at a slight angle one day and my wife was introduced to the windshield, nasty cut. The other driver was reaching in the back seat to pick up some clothes that had fallen off a clothes bar and her left hand pushed down on the steering wheel and over she came. She had no insurance, but our insurance covered the damage. We both wore seat belts after that.
I had a 123GT that got totaled, and still feel it was the best of all the 122/544 Volvos I ever owned. I miss it still, and would love to have another or a 1222 wagon today.