Key Specifications

Spec	Value
Production Years	1958-1970
Body Styles	2-door sedan (122S), 4-door sedan (121/122), 5-door estate (221/222)
Engine(s)	B18A, B18B, B18D, B20B
Displacement	1.8L (1,778 cc), 2.0L (1,986 cc)
Power	60-90 hp (depending on spec)
Torque	Not confirmed
Transmission	4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic (optional)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive
0-100 km/h	Not confirmed
Top Speed	Approximately 145-160 km/h (varies by engine)
Fuel Economy	Not confirmed
Weight	Approximately 1,050-1,150 kg
Length / Width / Height	Approximately 4,450 mm / 1,650 mm / 1,450 mm
Wheelbase	2,600 mm

Engine Variants

The Amazon was offered with several four-cylinder pushrod engines from Volvo's B-series:

B18A (1.8L, single carburettor): Base engine, roughly 60 hp. Economy-focused, adequate for daily use but not quick.

B18B (1.8L, dual carburettors): Sport variant, around 75-85 hp. Notably more responsive, the engine you want if you're not chasing maximum performance but appreciate a bit of shove.

B18D (1.8L, dual carbs, higher compression): Used in later 122S models, approximately 90 hp. The pick of the B18 line-up for performance without going full twin-carb tune.

B20B (2.0L, single carburettor): Fitted to late-production models. More torque than the B18, better for relaxed highway cruising. Power output around 82-90 hp depending on market and tune.

All engines are iron-block, iron-head designs. Bulletproof if maintained, but they need oil changes and valve adjustments. Don't expect them to run neglected for years without consequence.

Transmission Options

4-speed manual (M40, M41): Standard fitment. The M40 is a non-overdrive four-speed; the M41 adds an electric overdrive on third and fourth gears, activated by a dash-mounted switch. Overdrive is a worthwhile addition for highway work, quieter, lower revs, better economy. If you find one with overdrive, buy it.

3-speed automatic (BW35): Optional Borg-Warner three-speed. Reliable, smooth, but robs performance and fuel economy. Fine for a cruiser, but this is not the transmission for spirited driving. Manual gearboxes are more common and more desirable.

Notable Features

• Dual-circuit braking system (from 1964 model year), a safety innovation that became standard across Volvo's range. If one circuit fails, 80% braking remains.
• Three-point seatbelts front and rear, Volvo pioneered this, and the Amazon was one of the first production cars to offer it.
• Unibody construction with robust sills and chassis legs. Rust is the enemy, but the underlying structure is solid when intact.
• PCV system, yes, even in the 1960s. It's not complex by modern standards, but it does require maintenance. Neglect it and you'll be chasing oil leaks.
• Chrome trim and bumpers, the 122S featured tasteful brightwork. US-spec cars often had larger bumpers to meet federal standards.
• Heater and defroster, effective for the era, though not up to modern Volvo standards. Late-model Amazons have better heater cores.
• Optional overdrive, electric overdrive on third and fourth gears (M41 gearbox). Highly desirable for highway use.
• Optional limited-slip differential, rare, but worth seeking out if you plan spirited driving.

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Rust advisory: The Amazon's bodywork can rust badly, particularly pre-1977 front wings, sills (three-part construction), door bottoms, spare wheel containers, and the area around the windscreen and rear window. Late-model 240s have better rust protection; Amazons do not. If you can't weld, budget accordingly.

Parts availability: Excellent. Specialist suppliers stock most mechanical and body components. Some trim and glass can be tricky, but the essentials are covered.

Maintenance: These cars reward regular oil changes, valve adjustments, and attention to the PCV system. Ignore the service schedule and you'll be replacing gaskets and chasing leaks. The B18 and B20 engines are nearly indestructible if you show them basic respect.

Brakes: Dual-circuit from 1964 onward. Front discs on later models. Drums all round on early cars. All are serviceable with basic tools.

Electrics: 12-volt negative earth. Simple wiring, easy to trace faults. Lucas or Bosch components depending on year and market.

Driving experience: The Amazon is not fast. It's comfortable, stable, and rewards smooth driving. The overdrive gearbox makes highway work pleasant. The steering is direct but not heavy. It's a car for covering ground at a steady pace, not setting lap records.

Ask me how I know.