1966 Volvo Amazon 121
Single family ownership from new

Registration No: COY 296D
Chassis No: 217253
MOT: March 2027

• Single-family ownership (father and son) and a warranted 88,000 miles from new
• Documented service history from new, with an extensive history file
• Almost entirely original bodywork, with a repaint completed by Volvo in 1996
• Rated as ‘excellent’ throughout

Unlike its slant-backed predecessor, thePV544, the new-for-1956 Volvo Amazon was a modern-looking three-box design. Safety was already a priority for all Volvo models, and the Amazon range featured a padded dashboard and laminated windscreen, in addition to being the first Volvo with seatbelt attachments both front and rear. Power came from Volvo's new OHV engine which was initially of 1.4 litres, but it increased to 1.6-, 1.8-, and eventually two-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 on the rally stages and the race track.

We are delighted to offer what is potentially the best Volvo Amazon currently on the market. Equipped with the 1,798cc single-carburettor engine, four-speed gearbox and four-door body, it is perhaps the most original survivor of that specification. It was bought new by one Mr. Griffiths, the present owner’s father, from the Brooklands Motor Co. of Albemarle Street, London W1, with a radio and wing mirrors.

In its early life, the Volvo was serviced by G. W. Wilkin Ltd. in Weybridge, and when it was some years old, it was exhibited in Wilkin’s showroom next to a cube of crushed metal to demonstrate the Volvo’s longevity. The elder Mr. Griffiths continued driving it until his death in 1995. As a resident of Surrey with a career in London, he mainly commuted to work by train, hence it only averaged 2,500 miles annually. When the son inherited it after it had spent nine months off the road, it sailed through its MOT and obligingly transported him to his home 230 miles away.

Across its life, the Volvo has required minimal attention besides servicing, although the offside front wing and front panel were replaced in 1996, when it was decided that the entire car should be resprayed as the cellulose was fading. It was thus repainted in its original Red, but using modern paint, by the local Volvo main dealer. The original lap belts were replaced in 1986 with inertia-reel belts, and in 1997 a stainless exhaust was fitted.

Since 1995, the Volvo has participated in many rallies and tours. It has twice entered the Volvo Owners’ Club’s Northern Rally, in 1998 and 1999, and on both occasions was named Best Kept Volvo. A truly remarkable survivor with a warranted 88,000 miles from new, it is offered for sale now in excellent condition throughout, with full service history and documentation from new.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452