Lot details
Registration No: ORB151E
Chassis No: 224048
Mot Expiry: Sept 2011

The 121 was the base model of Volvo's 120 (Amazon) Series of cars designed in-house by Jan Wilsgaard and introduced in 1956. Unlike the slant-backed PV444/544, the newcomer was a modern-looking three-box design. Safety was already a priority for all Volvo models and the Amazon range featured a padded dashboard, laminated windscreen and seatbelt attachments front and rear - a Volvo first. Power came from a new OHV in-house unit initially of 1.4-litres, but increased to 1.6, 1.8 and eventually 2.0-litre capacity over the model's fourteen-year lifespan. These were mated to either three or four-speed manual gearboxes or a three-speed automatic unit. Suspension was independent at the front with wishbones and coil springs and by live axle, torque arms and coil springs at the rear. Braking was initially by drums all-round with discs becoming standard at the front from 1964. Over time the Amazon was available as either a two- or four-door Saloon or Estate. Like its predecessor, it was of tough construction and inherently good handling and roadholding and proved to be a successful competition car, both in the forest and on the track.

The right-hand drive Amazon being sold is a four-door 121 model manufactured in 1967 and equipped with the 1.8-litre (B18) engine coupled to the four-speed manual gearbox. It is finished in Red with a Black interior and has apparently had just three owners from new - a lady keeper, followed by one who retained 'ORB 151E' for no less than 30 years, and then the vendor. He tells us that the coachwork is "sound", the red coachwork "is original and good", the engine "runs well and has excellent oil pressure", the gearbox "is quiet and functions well", the exhaust is "sound" and the tyres (Vredesteins) all appear "good". The interior is apparently "clean and sound but the trim on the driver's seat needs some minor repair". The venerable Volvo is taxed until the end of October and MOT'd into September. Now a rare site on UK roads, Amazons make extremely practical classics. Good original examples are inevitably increasingly hard to find and becoming ever more sought after for general enjoyment or as the basis for historic race or rally cars.