The Volvo 122S, also known as the Volvo Amazon, replaced the venerable PV series as the company's primary small passenger vehicle. The PV544 earned a reputation for being strong, rugged, and dead reliable, and went on to prove its aptitude by performing well in the American SCCA class as well as an overall win in the 1965 Safari Rally. The Volvo Amazon, as the successor to the PV544, was also designed to be extremely durable with an added focus on passenger comfort. It, too, proved to be highly capable in competitive driving and became a favorite in rally racing.
This 1967 Volvo 122S has been produced in-house by Vintage Racing Services with a primary focus on long-distance mixed-road rally racing; primarily, La Carrera Panamericana. The 2.0L B20 engine has been built to 180 horsepower by VRS and Coleman Performance Engines and sends power through a close-ratio Toyota Supra W57 5-speed gearbox and Mazda RX7 limited-slip differential. Fuel and air are delivered through twin Weber 45 DCOE carburetors, fed from a race-legal fuel cell, while braking is left to a Willwood big brake kit on all four corners. The body has been extensively modified for competition. Fenders have been flared to accommodate wider wheels and tires while a fiberglass hood and boot lid help to cut down unnecessary weight. The interior has been entirely stripped for weight savings and includes two Cobra competition seats, a full roll cage, a quick-release steering wheel, and a custom lightweight dashboard with Autometer gauges throughout.
Automotive Restorations, Inc. and Vintage Racing Services have earned a reputation for our Volvo rally/race builds and is the 122S that started it all. It has proven to be highly competitive both on and off-track and has been spectacularly reliable. For those wanting to get into vintage road rally racing without the time and cost of a ground-up build, this Amazon is ready for its next event.
