VOLVO AMAZON

A Practical Classic for everyday use

Today a Volvo is a common site on the roads of the U.K. and most British motorists probably automatically think “Estate Car” when the name is mentioned.   Indeed, during the 1970`s and 1980`s if you wanted a decent sized estate then Volvo was really the only choice unless you imported from the USA.  It is only in recent years that the Company has moved away from this market into the more standard offerings.

The firm goes back a long way which is a surprise to many people.  It was formed back in 1927 in Gothenburg, Sweden with financial backing from the SKF ball bearing organisation. The first car was of 1.9 litres with a  four cylinder side valve engine, solidly built and it sold well.

The first car to sell in any numbers outside the home Country was the PV444 during the 1950`s, it soon established the firm with its fine quality construction and good road-holding, production did not cease until 1965.

In 1956 the subject of this article was first produced and helped in the building of the fine reputation held by Volvo for its sturdy construction and great rust resistance.  The all-welded integral construction steel body was rust-proofed by ultra modern methods for the times, to stand up to open air parking all year round and in all weather conditions.  For example, the insides of the wheel-arches were coated with a rubber asphalt.  The 60 b.h.p. four cylinder overhead valve engine (type B16A) gave a maximum speed of 90 miles per hour and the car would return 35 miles per gallon at cruising speed.   A 3 speed gear-box with syncromesh on top and second transmitted the drive via open propeller shaft to hypoid rear axle which had a ratio of 4.55 to 1.

The front suspension was of the independent type with coil springs and wishbones and the rear by coil springs and rear axle in rubber-mounted support arms, two torque arms and a track rod.  Double action hydraulic shock absorbers front and rear.

The car came with a very efficient heater which ensured summer warmth, all year round, and a highly efficient defroster. The heater air intake was placed high, just forward of the windscreen, so that exhaust fumes of cars in front did not come into the body.

The Amazon was available with either single or dual colour finishes.  Interior upholstery was of hard wearing textile and plastic to match the exterior colours.

The “Motor” Road Test of a 122S in January 1959 spoke highly of the car.  They stated that in poor weather conditions it managed to combine two potentially conflicting virtues. They then went on to say that the car was extremely practical as a medium sized 4 door family saloon and also a fast car which a sporting enthusiast would find fun to drive.  The report also stated that the 1600 c.c. engine produced a from rest to 60 mph time of 17.8 seconds and that it was necessary to go back through their Road Tests for 7 years to find a 2 litre 4/5 seater to match this and then at more than twice the price, in 1959 the Volvo 122S could be bought for £1,399. 7s. 0d.

Fuel consumption figures showed that at a constant 30 mph, 38 miles per gallon could be achieved, this rose to 21 miles per gallon at a constant 80 mph. (By 1959 the gear-box was a 4 speed unit)

Today this is a thoroughly  practical car to use everyday, capable of keeping up with modern traffic conditions both on byways or motorways. These cars are renowned for covering very high mileage’s  trouble-free and spare parts availability is good.

Also in 1956 Volvo produced the “Sport” with a top speed of over 100 mph from a 1.42 litre engine which developed 70 bhp at 5,500 rpm.  The car boasted a low centre of gravity due to its downswept frame of seamless tubular steel, the body was of reinforced glass-fibre which combined low weight and strength. 

Drive was transferred to the hypoid rear axle via a completely new 5 speed gearbox which allowed the driver to take full advantage of the engine output.  The interior was trimmed in attractive red hide upholstery and an excellent heater was fitted as standard.  The all in kerb weight was just 2,129 lbs.

I believe the car was on the Volvo Stand at the Earls Court Motor Show  in 1956 but do not know if any were subsequently imported to the U.K.  If anyone reading this has information on this point I should be very pleased to hear from them.