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07/27/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/27/2024 07:16

1965 Volvo 122S: How Swede it is

For folks of a certain age, Volvos were boxy for most of their lives. It was only until around 2000 that that started to change, the net result being fairly swoopy looking Volvos today-at least the sedans and the wagons. But if you're, er, lightly middle aged, today's subject may seem a little bit different from what you may imagine when someone says, "old Volvo."

Thomas Klockau

The 121/122 Series, dubbed "Amazon" in its home market, was a big deal when it debuted. Prior to its introduction, the primary Volvo model was the fastback 444/544 series. A success in its own right, but it was time for an addition to the family.

Thomas Klockau

The new car was announced in February 1956, and the company relayed that deliveries were to begin in August of that year. For Volvo owners who were used to the PV444/544, it sounded like a pretty big deal. Volvo was initially kind of sneaky with details, saying early on that it would be a larger and roomier four-door model.

Thomas Klockau

The Amazon/121/122 had its genesis via a clay model developed by Volvo stylist Jan Wilsgaard and the rest of the design staff. It was put together in their spare time and during lunch breaks, believe it or not.

Thomas Klockau

The car was officially introduced at the annual dealer conference in August of 1956. It was powered by a 1.6 liter, inline four-cylinder engine, dubbed the B16A. Displacing 1,583 ccs, it had 60 hp DIN at 4500 rpm. Its public debut was on September 1st and 2nd, 1956, in Orebro. Deliveries were stated to begin in early 1957.

Thomas Klockau

These cars were the first ones where Volvo began touting safety features. Among the items helpfully pointed out in showroom brochures and period advertising were a padded instrument panel and front seat belt anchorage points. Seat belts themselves were not quite yet a standard feature, but many Volvo dealers fitted them prior to sale.

Thomas Klockau

Deliveries to paying customers began during February and March of 1957. Each new car had an inside hood release, rather uncommon for the time. Home market cars were dubbed Amazon, but due to the name being registered by Kreidler, a West German motorcycle company, cars exported were marketed as the 121 or 122.

Thomas Klockau

Of course, as was typical of Volvo, refinements began almost from the get-go. 1959 models (introduced in August 1958) added standard front seat belts. A two-door model appeared in October 1961, it was dubbed 121. The station wagon (estate car to you Brits) debuted in February 1962.

Thomas Klockau

Front disc brakes became standard on 1964 models, while a new grille, ventilated wheels and chrome plated stainless steel hubcaps were also new. In 1965, the B18D sports engine increased horsepower from 90 to 95. And speaking of, the 122S appeared in '58 as the sporty model. Initial versions had dual carburetors and 85 hp.

Thomas Klockau

After the all-new (and boxy!) 140 Series appeared in late 1966, development on the Amazon/121/122 slowed, then stopped. The four door model disappeared after the 1967 model year. And the station wagon was no longer catalogued after 1969, when the 145 replaced it.

Thomas Klockau

In swan song 1970, only the two-door sedan remained in the sales brochures. The 140 and flossier 164 were replacing it, and while Volvo long had a habit of keeping older models in the roster well past new model introductions (the 544 lasted all the way to 1965, nine years after the Amazon first appeared), it was finally time to go.

Thomas Klockau

The final Amazon was built on July 3, 1970. And it was immediately transferred to the Volvo Museum for posterity. All told, 234,208 sedans, 359,918 coupes and 73,197 station wagons were built. Not a bad run.

Thomas Klockau

Today's featured car was spotted by your author last summer at the most excellent Bishop Hill, Illinois show, held annually in the tiny Swedish enclave in Henry County.

Thomas Klockau

There's always a wide variety of interesting rolling stock. This past year, a 3-row 1957 Mercury station wagon, '54 Mercury Sun Valley and others were among the attractions. But I zeroed in on this "Ovlov" immediately, because my parents drove Volvos all through my childhood, and my mom, Judy, had a bright red 1973 1800ES Sportswagon that is my most favorite car ever.

Thomas Klockau

This tan 122S was mint, pretty, and especially compelling to your author. It makes me think about maybe replacing my MKZ with an S60 or S90, next time I'm ready for a new car!

Thomas Klockau