Volvo Amazon 122S
The Volvo Amazon (sold as the 122S in export markets) was the car that transformed Volvo from a regional Scandinavian manufacturer into a respected global brand. Produced from 1956 to 1970, the Amazon established Volvo's reputation for building safe, durable, and surprisingly enjoyable cars.
The 122S designation identified the higher-performance version of the Amazon, powered by the B18 four-cylinder engine producing 100 horsepower at 5,800 rpm with twin SU carburetors. This represented a meaningful increase over the base Amazon's 60-75 hp, and it gave the car a sporting character that was unexpected from a Swedish sedan. The engine was robust, smooth, and willing to rev — qualities that made it well-suited to both daily driving and amateur motorsport.
The Amazon's body was a clean, elegant design inspired by the Italian styling trends of the early 1950s. The chrome-accented styling aged gracefully, and the car's proportions — a relatively short overhang front and rear — gave it a purposeful stance. The body was built with heavy-gauge steel that contributed to both the car's safety and its legendary durability.
Volvo pioneered several safety features in the Amazon. It was the first production car in the world to offer three-point seatbelts as standard equipment (from 1959), a Volvo innovation by Nils Bohlin that has since saved millions of lives. The Amazon also featured a laminated windshield, padded dashboard, and a collapsible steering column.
The chassis used independent front suspension with coil springs and double wishbones, while the rear featured a live axle on coil springs. The 122S received upgraded springs and dampers for sportier handling. Disc brakes were fitted at the front, with drums at the rear. The four-speed manual gearbox (with optional overdrive) provided well-chosen ratios.
The Amazon 122S proved surprisingly competitive in motorsport. It won numerous rally events in Scandinavia and competed creditably in international rallies, including the East African Safari Rally. Its combination of durability, traction, and driver-friendly handling made it a natural rally car.
Total Amazon production exceeded 667,000 units across all variants. Today, the 122S is the most sought-after Amazon variant, valued for its additional performance, sporting credentials, and the timeless appeal of its design.
Rust is the primary concern — check floor pans, sills, front inner wings, spare wheel well, and rear quarter panels. The B18 engine is extremely durable. Verify twin SU carburetors are present and functional for 122S specification. Overdrive gearbox adds value. Original chrome trim should be complete. Interior condition varies widely — good original interiors are increasingly valuable.
Produced at Volvo's Torslanda plant in Gothenburg, Sweden from 1956 to 1970. Total Amazon production across all variants was approximately 667,323 units. The 122S was the sport-oriented twin-carb variant.