Brief background to the Volvo Amazon

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Source: Volvo Car Corporation.

Amazon 1956 - 1970

In 1956, a prototype of a new passenger car from Volvo was presented. The car became known as the Amazon in Sweden and the 121 and 122S on the export market. The designation 122S was used for a version with a more powerful engine.

Production began in 1957 and this car was initially regarded as a larger model than the PV444. The fact that the 121/122 S was a 4-door model naturally contributed to this.

The styling was modern and this model was the first car from Volvo with a pontoon body. People found the car very attractive. The front was characterised by the two oval air intakes. The rear wings were extended and ended with a hint of a fin, a very popular design feature at the time.

The Amazon 121/122 S also had a very high safety level with features including a padded upper half of the dashboard, a laminated windscreen and seatbelt attachments both front and rear.

In the autumn of 1961, the P120 models included a number of relatively large changes. The previous 1.6-litre engine was replaced by the B18 with an output of 75 or 90 bhp, a 12-volt electrical system and a new grille, while the 90 bhp model featured disc brakes on the front wheels.

The 4-door model of the P120 was produced until the autumn of 1966, when it was replaced by an entirely new car, the Volvo 144.

Model: P 1200 / P 120 AMAZON, Sedan
Variants: P 1200 V
P 1200 H
P 121
P 122 S
Produced: 1956 - 1967
Volume: 234208
Body: 4-door saloon
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,583 cc, 79.37 x 80 mm, 60 bhp at 4,500 rpm or 85 bhp at 5,500 rpm. 1961: 1,778 cc , 84.14 x 80 mm, 75 bhp at 4,500 rpm or 90 bhp at 5,000 rpm, increased in 1965 to 95 bhp.
Transmission: 3- or 4-speed manual with or without overdrive, with floor-mounted gear lever (some cars delivered with gearshift mounted on the steering column). 3-speed automatic with gear lever on steering column.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels. 1961: disc brakes on front wheels for S versions. 1964: disc brakes on front wheels for all versions.
Dimensions: Overall length 445 cm, wheelbase 2,600 mm.

In September 1961, yet another version based on the 121/122S was presented - a 2-door saloon. This version was an eagerly awaited model, particularly on the Swedish market, as Sweden was a typical market for 2-door cars at that time.

Technically speaking, there was no difference between the two models. The doors were naturally longer on the new 2-door model to make it easier to get into the rear seat, and the front seats could, of course, be folded forward for the same reason. The rear side windows could be opened at the rear edge to improve ventilation.

The engine programme was originally supposed to follow that of the 4-door model. However, as the 2-door was somewhat lighter, it was also regarded as somewhat more sporty and was therefore used in competitions, both rally driving and motor racing

To enhance the sporty image of the Amazon, the fast and lavishly equipped 123GT version was introduced in 1966, with the same engine as the 1800S sports car.

In 1968, another engine version was added to this model - the so-called B20 engine, a 2.0-litre version.

Production of the P130 continued until July 2nd 1970. This was the final version of this car family, with a total of 667,323 P130s produced over the years.

Model: P130 Amazon, 2-d
Variants: P 131
P 132 (SPORT)
P 123 GT
Produced: 1961 - 1970
Volume: 359916
Body: 2-door saloon
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, valves overhead valves, 1,778 cc (108 cu. in.), 84.14 x 80 mm, 75 bhp at 4,500 rpm or 90 bhp at 5,000 rpm, 95 bhp in 1964, 115 bhp in 1966. 1968: 1,986 cc, 88.9 x 80 mm, 90 bhp at 4,800, 118 bhp at 5,800 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed manual or or 4-speed manual with overdrive with floor-mounted gear lever. 3-speed automatic with gear lever on steering column.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels, S-version with discs at front. In 1964 all with discs at front.
Dimensions: Overall length 445 cm,wheelbase 2,600 mm.

This model can be described as an estate based on the 121/122S (Amazon). It made its debut at the Stockholm Motor Show in February 1962. This extension of the model range gave Volvo a more extensive programme in one and the same car family than ever before.

The P220 had four doors and the tailgate was divided into two parts, one part folded down and the other folded up. This design was inspired by station wagons from the USA.

The production of the P220 took place alongside that of the P210 and the P220 became more frequent outside the Nordic markets. This car represented yet another important step towards a more family-oriented estate which was less of an into the commercial vehicle market. In this way, the P220 played an important role for Volvo in its development as leading producer of estate cars.

Model: P 220 Amazon Estate
Variants: P 221
P 222 (SPORT)
Produced: 1962 - 1969
Volume: 73169
Body: 4-door estate
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,778 cc, 84.14 x 80 mm, 75 or 90 or 95 bhp, and later 1,986 cc, 88.9x80 mm, 90 bhp.
Transmission: 4-speed manual (with or without overdrive) with floor-mounted gear lever or 3-speed automatic with gear lever on steering column.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels initially, discs on the front wheels at a later stage.
Dimensions: Overall length 449 cm,wheelbase 260 cm.

Some more Volvo Amazon facts in shorter form:

121 (B16A, 1957-1961). First production model with 60bhp 1582cc single-carb engine, four doors and a 3-speed manual gearbox.

122S (B16B, 1958-1961). Produced for export with 85bhp twin-carb 1582cc engine and four speed gearbox.

121 (B18A, 1961-1968). Single carb with new cylinder head and 1778cc, 75bhp engine. (85bhp from 1966). 2-door, four-door and 5-door estate. The 4-door ended in 1967.

122S (B18D, 1961-1968). A twin-carb 121. A 2-door from 1963, with the last 4-door being built in 1967. Power outputs were 90bhp (1961-1965), 95bhp (1966), 100bhp (1967), 115bhp (1968).

221/222 (B18A, B18B, B18D, 1962-1969). Amazon estate with 1778cc engine. Sometimes called the 121 or 221 Combi or estate. Fitted with the 4.5J wheels from the 1800.

121 (B20A, 1968-1970). 2-door with B20A 1998cc 90bhp engine of the 140 series.

123GT (B18B, 1966-1968). 2-door with 115bhp high compression version of the P1800 engine. Also with 4.5J wheels.

122S (B20B, 1968-1979). A 118bhp 1998cc engine of the 140 series. With either twin SU's or Strombergs. 2-door only.

131 (B18D, 1965-1970). A 2-door entry-level Amazon with single-carb 75bhp engine.

Volvo Amazon Cars by Series.

A-Series (from 1957):

• 60bhp B16A engine
• 4-door saloon only
• 2-tone paintwork

B-Series (from spring 1958):

• B16B engine
• 4-speed M40 gearbox

C-Series (from August 1958):

• Standard front seat belts for all cars
• Amazon Sport for Swedish market
• New type of brake servo (known as the duo-servo)
• Improvements to the heating system

D-Series (from August 1960):

• New 3-speed and 4-speed all-synchro gearboxes
• Overdrive option for the 3-speed gearbox
• New seats

E-Series (A-Series for P130 and P220, from August 1961):

• 12-volt electrical system
• B18 engine
• Asymmetrical headlights
• New grille
• 2-tone paint option dropped
• Stronger front suspension is reinforced and heavier
• Girling front disc brakes for sportier models
• 2-door option introduced

F-Series (B-Series for P130 and P220, from August 1962):

• Rear axle strengthened
• New rear lights (now incorporating reversing lights)
• Improved rustproofing

G-Series (D-Series for P130 and P220, from August 1963):

• Borg-Warner BW35 automatic gearbox offered
• Redesigned boot handle incorporated number plate light
• New headlining design

K-Series (E-Series for P130 and P220, from August 1964):

• Front disc brakes standard on all models
• Estate gets brake servo
• New radiator grille
• New wheels and hubcaps
• New emblems on the sides
• Rear seat passengers get their own heating duct
• Rear armrest on all models
• Front seat passengers gets handle on the dashboard
• Radiator blind no longer fitted
• Estate gets gas struts for upper tailgate
• New ergonomically designed seats

L-Series (F-Series for P130 and P220, from August 1965):

• New compression ratio for B18 (by fitting thinner head gasket)
• New camshaft
• Sealed front suspension and propshaft
• Rear wheel now has a valve to help prevent locking when braking
• Amazon Favorit economy special introduced (no chrome around the windows, black or white paint only, and M30 3-speed gearbox)

M-Series (from August 1966):

• New grille
• Redesigned seatbelts
• 123GT introduced
• Extra power for all engines (thanks to the use of Stromberg carbs)
• Sealed cooling system with new radiator
• P120-Series discontinued for most markets

P-Series (from August 1967):

• Collapsible steering column
• New steering wheel
• Brake servo on all models
• End of production of 4-door models (replaced by the 144)

S-Series (from August 1968):

• B20 engine
• Dual-circuit brakes
• Brake servo

T-Series (from August 1969):

• Production of the Amazon estate ends
• Only B20 engine offered
• Standard seatbelts for the rear seats
• Adjustable headrests for front seats

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The following tables are reproduced with the kind permission of Fredrik Lofter and his Volvo Amazon site www.volvoamazonpictures.se

During the first years of the production of the Volvo Amazon series the "model year" was not very clear and many changes were introduced at certain chassis numbers and not the actual calendar year.

Period	Model year	P120 Ch nr	P120 produced	P130 Ch nr	P130 produced	P220 Ch nr	P220 produced	Totals	Accumulated
April 1956 and June 1956	1956*	X1, X2	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
August 1956 - spring 1958	1957	1 - 5272	5,184	-	-	-	-	5,184	5,184
February 1958 - November** 1958	1958	4436 - 14999	9,815	-	-	-	-	9,815	14,999
November** 1958 - October** 1959	1959	15000 - 32999	18,000	-	-	-	-	18,000	32,999
October** 1959 - July 1960	1960	33000 - 54399	21,400	-	-	-	-	21,400	54,399
August 1960 - July 1961	1961	54400 - 84299	29,900	-	-	-	-	29,900	84,299
August 1961 - July 1962	1962	84300 - 112799	28,500	1 - 10499	10499	1 - 1399	1,399	40,398	124,697
August 1962 - July 1963	1963	112800 - 139999	27,500	10500 - 39999	29,500	1400 - 8274	6,875	63,575	188,272
August 1963 - July 1964	1964	140000 - 166399	26,400	40000 - 84599	44,600	8275 - 17949	9,675	80,675	268,947
August 1964 - July 1965	1965	166400 - 193799	27,400	84600 - 144399	59,800	17950 - 29399	11,450	98,650	367,597
August 1965 - July 1966	1966	193800 - 225049	31,250	144400 - 216949	72,550	29400 - 44599	15,200	119,000	486,597
August 1966 - July 1967	1967	225050 - 234653***	9,604***	216950 - 279899	62,950	44600 - 61799	17,200	89,754	576,351
August 1967 - July 1968	1968	-	-	279900 - 312499	32,600	61800 - 70299	8,500	41,100	617,451
August 1968 - July 1969	1969	-	-	312500 - 339999	27,500	70300 - 73220***	2,921***	30,421	647,872
August 1969 - July 1970	1970	-	-	340000 - 359918	19,919	-	-	19,919	667,791
Total	-	-	234,653	-	359,918	-	73,220	667,791	-

* Includes the two prototypes X1 and X2 which had chassis numbers 1 and 2 respectively in their own chassis number series. Both were registered for traffic in Sweden and therefore included here.

** Calculated point in time based on available chassis number data and the assumption of an even distribution of produced cars during the period.

*** The actual figures for these models are unclear as they vary according to source. Even Volvo's sources are different. They also record the following:

• P120 totals - 234209
• P120 model year 1967 - 9160
• P220 totals - 73196
• P220 model year 1969 - 2897
• Total Amazons - 667,323

The last manufactured P 220 was saved and is on exhibition in the Volvo Museum in Arendal and has chassis number 73220.

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Model year	Chassis number	Type designation	Comment/Gearbox
1957	1 - 248	P 1200	H6
1957	249 - 4435	P 1200 V/H	H6
1957	4447 - 4636	P 1200 V/H	H6
1957	4639 - 5193	P 1200 V/H	H6
1957	5214 - 5215	P 1200 V/H	H6
1957	5271 - 5272	P 1200 V/H	H6
1958	4436 - 4446	P 1200 VB/HB	M4
1958	4637 - 4638	P 1200 VB/HB	M4
1958	5194 - 5213	P 1200 VB/HB	M4
1958	5216 - 5270	P 1200 VB/HB	M4
1958	5273 - 12082	P 1200 VB/HB	M4
1958	12083 - 14999	P 12204 VB/HB	-
1958	12170 - 14999	P 12206 VB/HB	-
1958	12379 - 14999	P 12104 VB/HB	-
1959	15000 - 32999	P 12104 UVB/UHB	-
1959	15000 - 32999	P 12204 UVB/UHB	Export
1959	15000 - 32999	P 12206 UVB/UHB	-
1959	21000 - 32999	P 12208 UVB	USA
1960	33000 - 54399	P 12104 UVB/UHB	-
1960	33000 - 54399	P 12106 UVB/UHB	-
1960	33000 - 54399	P 12204 UVB/UHB	Export
1960	33000 - 54399	P 12206 UVB/UHB	-
1960	33000 - 54399	P 12208 UVB	USA
1961	54400 - 84299	P 12132 VD/HD	M30
1961	54400 - 84299	P 12133 VD/HD	M31
1961	54400 - 84299	P 12134 VD/HD	M40
1961	54400 - 84299	P 12234 VD/HD	M40
1961	54400 - 84299	P 12235 VD/HD	M41
1961	54400 - 84299	P 12244 VD	USA

In March 1958 Volvo issue a service bulletin about the introduction of the new gearbox M4, and eventually also stated what chassis numbers belongs to what model year based on the gearbox (H6 means 1957 and M4 means 1958.)

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Model year	Production run	P 120 Ch nr	P 120 numbers	P 130 Ch nr	P 130 numbers	P 220 Ch nr	P 220 numbers
1957	August 1956 - December 1956	1 - 34	34	-	-	-	-
1957	January 1957 - December 1957	35 - 3100	3,066	-	-	-	-
1957	January 1958 - spring 1958	3101 - 5272	2,084	-	-	-	-
1958	February 1958 - November* 1958	4436 - 14999	9,815	-	-	-	-
1959	November* 1958 - December 1958	15000 - 16057	1,059	-	-	-	-
1959	January 1959 - October* 1959	16059 - 32999	16,941	-	-	-	-
1960	October* 1959 - December 1959	33000 - 38408	5,409	-	-	-	-
1960	January 1960 - July 1960	38409 - 54399	15,991	-	-	-	-
1961	August 1960 - December 1960	54400 - 66064	11,665	-	-	-	-
1961	January 1961 - July 1961	66065 - 84299	18,235	-	-	-	-
1962	August 1961 - December 1961	84300 - 96301	12,002	1 - 1852	1,852	-	-
1962	January 1962 - July 1962	96302 - 112799	16,498	1853 - 10499	8,647	1 - 1399	1,399
1963	August 1962 - December 1962	112800 - 124544	11,745	10500 - 20615	10,116	1400 - 4039	2,640
1963	January 1963 - July 1963	124545 - 139999	15,455	20616 - 39999	19,384	4040 - 8274	4,235
1964	August 1963 - December 1963	140000 - 150170	10,171	40000 - 57366	17,367	8275 - 11593	3,319
1964	January 1964 - July 1964	150171 - 166399	16,229	57367 - 84599	27,233	11594 - 17949	6,356
1965	August 1964 - December 1964	166400 - 176552	10,153	84600 - 106768	22,169	17950 - 22209	4,260
1965	January 1965 - July 1965	176553 - 193799	17,247	106769 - 144399	37,631	22210 - 29399	7,190
1966	August 1965 - December 1965	193800 - 206184	12,385	144400 - 172294	27,895	29400 - 35146	5,747
1966	January 1966 - July 1966	206185 - 225049	18,865	172295 - 216949	44,655	35147 - 44599	9,453
1967	August 1966 - December 1966	225050 - 233747	8,698	216950 - ?	?	44600 - ?	?
1967	January 1967 - July 1967	233748 - 234653	906	? - 279899	?	? - 61799	?

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