It appears there is a new customer at a local garage near our house here in the suburbs of Tokyo – first time I’ve seen this 122 there. And it’s in such beautiful shape that I had to snap a few pics.
It’s tough to pin down a model year for these 122s unless you can peek at the engine or the VIN – they didn’t change much on the outside. I’d place this one as a mid-60’s model as it has the later front grilles and the four-door was discontinued after 1967 with the launch of the 140 series.
While Tatra87 may have a different take as he lives in the “high-rent” district, using just my eyeball meter here in Tokyo, older Volvos are the No. 2 most popular non-Japanese make CC I see on the road. The first is the original Mini, which is worshipped here in Japan, with one company doing well selling fully restored models. Older Mercs and BMWs can be seen occasionally, but 240s, and newer 850s and V70s, mostly wagons, are a routine sight. Some nicely restored like this, others regular drivers still going strong. When I ask my local friends why they are so popular, they state that Japanese admire the engineering, simplicity, and “unbreakability” of these older Volvos.
I doubt this interior is factory original but the update still looks nice. Seeing this reminded me of a story one of my Japanese workfellows told me a few decades ago – his daughter had married a doctor who had an Amazon. They were involved in a major accident on the expressway but both walked away unhurt. The Japanese Police Officer investigating the accident told them that they were fortunate to be in a Volvo as they’d likely be dead if they were in a Japanese manufactured vehicle.
The paint on the trunk seems to have some sun-blistering, but I didn’t notice any rust peeking through.
While my top pick would be a P1800, I really like these Amazons. If this had a For Sale sign in it I’d likely be inside dickering…this would make a nice driveway-mate to my 2012 C30.
Fun Fact: German motorcycle manufacturer Kreidler had already registered the “Amazon” name, and the two companies agreed that Volvo could only use the name domestically (i.e., within Sweden). However, informally, the Amazon nickname was, and still is, widely recognized worldwide.
Related CC Reading
Curbside Classic: Volvo 122S – The Cult Of The Amazon by PN
CC Outtake: Volvo 122S “Amazon” – No Fuzzy Dice Hanging From Its Mirror by PN
The Amazon is still my favourite Volvo by far, good looking (not quite sure you could call it pretty but it’s got nice styling) and legendary solid Volvo build quality, I’d probably pick a wagon version, though the 2 door is arguably the best looking model
The grill and badging, as well as the slotted silver-painted wheels, indicate it’s a 1965 or newer. Though these parts are often mixed and matched so not a definite indicator. The other big change in 1965 (big if you’re a 122S fan) was the seats, with a revised design and a textured vinyl on the seating surfaces. But these seats are definitely reupholstered and in a style that actually looks more like the older seats. But that’s not surprising – my own ‘65 122S had pretty tattered seats when I bought it in 1975, and my parents’ 1964 seats held up well for the life of the car in their ownership, through 1986. And it wasn’t just the upholstery, the cushions were in fine shape, whereas my seats were already collapsing.
The wife and I bought our first car together, in Dec ’70, a 3 year old ’67 122s with 38k miles from Champion Ford in Baltimore after looking at a used red ’65 Mustang 2+2 (289 auto). We made the right choice. She drove it for 10 years and it was still running great when she totaled it on the Beltway during a snow storm. It was a pale blue-gray, 4 Spd, only option was radio and heater. I pulled the B-18 and sold it to a guy with a P1800. A fabulous car that served us for 230,000 miles. we were really Swedish for awhile, with her driving the 122 and me with a ’67 SAAB 96 then a new ’73 99. Goes well with our last name.
“…It was a pale blue-gray, 4 Spd, only option was radio and heater.”
Hi Randerson! “Option”? Did they seriously offer Volvos without heating over there?
The 122S was an amazing evolutionary step for Volvo. The PV444/544 that came before it was an “old car” both visually and technologically, from the day it was introduced. The 122S was leaps forward in both regards. Then it was followed by the 140/240 that switched to a very stark Scandinavian design. I’ll always admire a nice 122S.
Very nice. I agree that the seats and the interior has been re-done, but I like it! It’s a nice pattern and is in keeping with the car even if it’s not original. Too bad about the giant speaker holes that have been cut in the front door cards.
I have no data for this, but I am guessing that one other reason why old Volvos are popular in Japan is that they’re an appropriate and advantageous size. For someone interested in something a bit unique, that can accommodate multiple people and their stuff, a 240, 850 or V70 is ideal. Big, but not too big. Still likely maneuverable and parkable in Tokyo without too much drama. I’d think that something like an 850 would be supremely useful in Japan.
Late 40s-early 50s looks but with handling. A 122S is something I’d really enjoy, I think.
A nice looker .
I’d love to get that T40 Toyota .
Is your suburb near the coast ? .
-Nate
I’m on the opposite side Nate, towards the mountains.
Lovely Amazon, Brophy-san!
As far as older (20+ y. old) imported cars are concerned, I’d say Volvos are right up there with Minis and M-Bs, for sure. New cars are different. Volvos seem to have become a lot less popular starting circa 2010, but BMWs, Audis, Jeeps, Fiats and M-Bs are well-represented in that cohort.