Description
1968 Volvo Amazon 2 door saloon to 122S specification, with the B18B 90 bhp engine mated to a 4 speed manual gearbox (no overdrive)
This october 1967, model year 1968 Amazon was privately purchased and was complete, but severely ravaged by rust. A full nut-and-bolt restoration was undertaken, by a retired concours-winning classic car restorer, encompassing over 900 hours of labour. The owner, a now 76 year old musician, was often asked why he went to such effort and detail, and the simple answer was : “Because I can, and I can check every stage of the build process.’
We have a photo folder of approximately 270 photos, and a large file of bills, receipts etc.
Originally red, this 122S was completely stripped to its chassis; doors, bonnet, bootlid and wings were acid dipped, they were repaired were needed, e-coated, new floor sections and a boot floor were welded in, and the body was bare metalled before rust proofed.
Controversially, the owner wished to have a ‘personalised” Amazon, and his colour choice was a 1967 Ford Mustang ‘Arcadian blue”, with no side strips, a complete shadowline ( so satin black instead of chrome highlights or accents) with a black interior. Too much watching “Chip Foose”- series lead to a wish to have the bumpers shortened and frenched-in, as well as wanting a bespoke grill made in satin black.
Whilst the body was in paint, the suspension, brakes, and all ancillaries were overhauled or renewed. The gearbox and B18 engine was disassembled, and overhauled to original specification. The interior was stripped, the seat frames stripped, sandblasted, rust proofed and repainted, and build up to original specification black vinyl. The owner wished to have a bare, americana-style, colour coded dashboard rather than one covered in black vinyl, so a dashboard pod was made to measure and painted satin-black.
The car stands on banded, 7inch steel wheels, powder coated in Silver, with satin black wheel nut covers accented with blue Volvo logo highlights.
Due to the personal choices, an almost unbelievable 950 hours in labour were spend on this vehicle, which is testament to the quality of the restoration. The panel gaps of this Amazon need to be seen: not a single Amazon is so “tight” and well-build as this one.
All the original chrome or alloy side strips were retained, but naturally all the mounting holes were welded up. It would not be impossible to turn this into a “chromey” version but that would be up to the next owner.
If you are searching for a fully gone-through Amazon, this is the one, and it represents extra- ordinary value for money considering the finished product.
Following its completion, the car was never driven and still needs breaking in.
This Amazon is ULEZ/ LEZ zone exempt, MOT exempt and is on historical, nil-rate, road tax.
The owner is regrettably putting his beloved Amazon for sale due to health reasons.
