Vehicle Description
1966 Volvo 122
Ponton or pontoon styling refers to a 1930s-1960s car design genre.
The trend emerged as pontoon-like bodywork began to enclose the
full width and uninterrupted length of a car, incorporating
previously distinct running boards and articulated fenders. The
fenders of an automobile with ponton styling may also be called
pontoon fenders and the overall trend may also be known as envelope
styling. Now largely archaic, the term Ponton describes the
markedly bulbous, slab-sided configuration of postwar European
cars.
For consignment the beneficiary of a complete restoration from 20
years ago. What was originally a Graphite Gray exterior with a red
interior is now a beautiful metallic blue with a tasteful brown
interior. It has recently had new rubber seals all around
installed, a rebuilt front suspension, and an upgraded Petronix
distributor, electric overdrive, and now an SU carb head replacing
the fuel injection which ultimately proved to be unreliable. Let's
Volvo! (Volvo literally translates to I roll.)
Exterior
This straightforward design with the pontoon construction has a
split chromed egg crate grille in front and is flanked by a single
round headlight on the end of each front quarter. Turn signals wrap
around the corners and float just above a pristine bumper. A
bulbous bump up hood with V O L V O badging in front leads us to
the windshield slightly curved and edged with chrome trimming and
all bathed in a nice and still shiny metallic blue. Side panels are
nice and straight, and a thin stainless trim spear runs from front
to rear on the beltline. More trimmings surround the roofline and
windows as well as the curved rear glass. On the back vertical lamp
styled taillights are just above square marker lighting on top of
either rear quarter with another large bumper is below. A very
solid and well-built car the Swedes are known for using a much
thicker gauge metal for their exterior claddings. Silver 15-inch
steel wheels with a shiny moon cap are on all 4 corners and are
wrapped in 165R15's.
Interior
Tastefully colored and paneled saddle brown vinyl covers the doors
which have an exterior matching painted sill are looking very
nicely preserved since the 20 year restoration. Inside slightly
worn and tarnished from use front buckets with low backs and
pleated checkered pattern inserts are seen. In back is an elongated
and roomy 2 plus 2 rear bench which sports a center fold down
armrest and some padded arms molded into the side panels. A white
vinyl headliner floats above and below. Like new gray carpeting
floods the floors. A nifty chevron styled and chromed center
steering wheel with a Volvo script type badge fronts an original
simple dash and instrument cluster. This is in back and has a
nicely padded dash top. A/C is provided by an under dash mounted
FrigiKing and done so by a dealer. The 4-speaker stereo is original
to the car and the consignor states a new front windscreen was
recently installed. Finally, a long shift lever reached from under
the dash towards the driver and is nicely within his/her reach.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a fully restored and reconditioned 2.0 Liter B20
inline 4-cylinder engine sporting a newer cylinder head from a fuel
injected car. It looks just beautiful with deep red block paint and
a silver valve cover. Noticeably apparent are the dual SU carbs
with paper air cleaner on their ends. On back an M41 4-speed manual
overdrive transmission is on, and the rear axle weighs in at 4.10
ratio.
Undercarriage
Nicely buttoned up and all structurally sound underneath with an
overall gray undercoated patina. The rear axle is newly painted as
are coil springs. We see independent coil sprung suspension for the
front, and a 3 link with coil springs for the back. Disc brakes are
upfront, and drums for the rear. Also noted are newer IPD sway bars
attached to the front and rear of this car.
Drive-Ability
My cohort and partner in automotive specification crime took this
one out and he reported it started quickly and ran like a champ on
the test track. He also said everything was working on the
functions front, and it was just a blast to drive! A huge shout out
to the FrigiKing air conditioner as the test drive day was a toasty
one, the A/C kept the drive icy cold.
A 20 year old restoration carefully stored when not in use over the
years in a temp controlled garage. A few newer items installed
recently, and it is a real runner and great utilitarian and very
safe driver. All wrapped up with gas saving overdrive right out of
1966 but it does not look its age.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.