Volvo P1800

vs

Volvo Amazon

Sweden vs Sweden — 1961 vs 1967

Volvo P1800 (1961)
Volvo Amazon (1967)
Specifications
P1800 1800SAmazon 123GT
Horsepower118 hp115 hp
Torque125 lb-ft115 lb-ft
Engine Size1,986 cc1,780 cc
0-60 mph11.5 sec11.0 sec
Top Speed112 mph109 mph
¼ Mile17.9 sec17.8 sec
Weight2,403 lbs2,381 lbs
Wheelbase2,450 mm2,590 mm
Length4,369 mm4,450 mm
Units Produced47,4841,528
Original MSRP$4,000$3,300
Value (Excellent)$70,000$65,000
Collectibility7/108/10
Rarity5/108/10
The Verdict

The 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. The 1961 Volvo P1800 1800S counters with higher top speed, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.

Overview

The 1961 Volvo P1800 1800S and 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT share a manufacturer in Volvo, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Volvo brand. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1961 Volvo P1800 1800S producing 118 hp and the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT delivering 115 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volvo P1800 uses a Inline-4 OHV B18/B20 displacing 1,986 cc, while the Volvo Amazon relies on a Inline-4 OHV with 1,780 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT edges ahead at 11.0 seconds versus 11.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,528 units built, the 1967 Volvo Amazon 123GT is considerably scarcer than the Volvo P1800's 47,484 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.