For sale is this beautiful 1966 Volvo Amazon 122s. Under the bonnet you will find the original four-cylinder, B18, 1780 cubic centimeter, high-compression (10:1) engine that delivers 115 horsepower at 6000rpms. The B18 engine is famous for being amongst the most reliable of all engines, and it currently holds the Guinness World Record of more than 3 million miles and is still running to this day! The engine in this vehicle is clean and does not smoke nor consume any fluids. The fuel pump has been replaced along with the fuel filter and the hoses that supply the original SU carburettors with petrol. Both carburettors have new jets and new air filters, and they both have been tuned and synchronised. The points and plugs have been replaced, and the valve clearance has recently been set. Together with a brand new battery, the car starts reliably and runs incredibly smooth without any hesitation or stumbling. The car is fast, responsive, shifts through the transmission’s four gears flawlessly, and always settles down to a smooth idle at 800rpm.
The cooling system has a new 180’F thermostat, the original radiator has been refurbished, and the entire system has been filled with new antifreeze. As a result, the vehicle always runs cool and stays within the normal operating temperature range, even during the hot Arizona summers. The original heater works very well and is currently plumbed directly, bypassing the heater-control valve that has recently developed a leak.
The original dynamo has been replaced with a GM alternator, providing a constant reliable source of 12 volts. All of the electrical components of the car function properly, with the exception of the interior and glove box lights that have only recently stopped working. They are on the same circuit and should therefore be easy to sort out. The turn signals work very well with a new flasher relay and the headlights are Sylvania halogens for “modern” nighttime motoring. A modern pioneer radio has been added under the dash, and sounds very good through the two speakers behind the rear seat. The original Volvo AM radio by Bendix is still located in the dash although not currently hooked up.
The entire original instrument cluster works perfectly and has a beautiful green glow at night. The fuel gauge is coupled with a new fuel sending unit and functions accurately. The interior is carpeted and still supports the original headliner that is in excellent shape. The rear seats have been reupholstered in a grey color with white piping. They are equipped with three lap belts and a center arm rest and are very comfortable indeed. The front seats still have the original Volvo three-point seat beats, of which Volvo were the first to release in 1965. The front seats are in their original, yet torn up condition, but are non-the-less functional and currently have new grey seat covers. The rear doors still support their original paneling that is in great shape, while the front door panels and the dash pad have both been recovered in a vinyl material that is very fitting to the vehicle
The original Volvo glass is in excellent shape and all of the windows roll up and down smoothly. The windows have been tinted which helps lower the temperature of the interior significantly, especially during the hot Arizona summers. The original rubber seal of the windshield was leaky and caused the drivers-side floorboards to have rusted through as shown in the pictures. Being from Arizona, this is the only real rust the vehicle has and the drivers-side floorboards are still functional, although they could be patched up. The windshield currently has a new rubber seal that works perfectly and does not leak.
The vehicle rests on four new KYB shocks and a set of four steel belted radial tires that still have plenty of tread left on them. These modern radial tires hug the road much more effectively than the original bias-ply tube tires. The resulting ride in the car feels safe and smooth, whether you are driving around the block, or cruising down the freeway.
Perhaps the most important aspect of the car is its ability to stop. The vehicle is equipped with the original disk brakes in the front, and drums in the rear. The brakes are effective and very responsive, and they stop the vehicle straight and evenly with out any pulls. The brake lights work from a mechanical switch on the brake pedal, instead of the original hydraulic switch that was prone to malfunction. The handbrake that is located to the left of driver, also works perfectly.
The exterior of the car has had one repaint in Metallic White enamel over its original Pearl White color (code 79-1). The paint presents itself well, although it has its share of chips. Furthermore, the body and bumpers also have their share of nicks and dings. Regardless, the body of the vehicle is very straight without evidence of bodywork or an accident during its 50 years of existence. All of the lenses for the lights are original and in great shape. The boot is in its original, unmolested condition and contains a functional spare tire and the original jack. The vehicle has a complete set of functional keys for the ignition, doors and boot, although the key for the doors only works on the drivers-side and it is a little tricky.
In conclusion, this 1966 Volvo Amazon 122s is a reliable and very capable daily-driver, which I hope will continue to serve its new owner well. If interested, please call (520) 623-3177.
A video of the vehicle can be seen at: youtube.com/watch?v=EshsWRE_F78
The following new and used parts will be included with the vehicle:
1 used Haynes owner’s workshop manual
1 new fuel pump
2 new carburetor jet assemblies
1 new synchronizing ring (transmission)
1 new alternator bracket
1 new bake light switch
1 new muffler hanger
2 new rubber stops
2 new thermostats of different temperatures
Windshield chrome trim
Spare upper drivers-side door trim
1 spare chrome door strip
3 used window cranks
1 spare 122s emblem
2 used front springs
1 used drive shaft
2 used fan belts
Used radiator and heater hoses
Spare door hinge
Spare clutch fork
Assortment of nuts, bolts, gears, etc.
Assortment of used carburetor parts.
Assortment of gaskets (for transmission, differential, manifold, etc.)
Assortment of oil seals
Assortment of light bulbs, fuses, etc.
1 used front turn signal lens
Spare voltage regulator (for dynamo)
2 used fuel pumps
Spare steering gear bushing kit
1 spare turn signal switch
1 spare blower fan and motor
1 used master cylinder
1 used brake light bar