Vehicle Description
1963 Volvo 122S Amazon
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 restoration and
customization, with a mildly worked engine, modern seating,
upgraded braking and even some lightweight fiberglass to make this
122S Amazon a true one of a kind. What was originally a pedestrian
mode of transport, it has now taken on a new life, somewhat
emulating the custom look applied to the shoebox Fords. It has
recently had new rubber seals all around installed, new bearings
and seals front to back, an electric overdrive, and now a later
model fuel injected head. Let's Volvo! (Volvo literally translates
to I roll.)
Exterior
This straightforward design with the pontoon construction has a
split blacked out mesh grille in front and is flanked by a frenched
single round headlight on the end of each front fiberglass fender.
Turn signals are stationed behind the grille and float just above a
black powder coated bumper. A bulbous bump up hood in front leads
us to the windshield, slightly curved and edged with black trimming
and all bathed in an overall nice application of satin white. A few
chip offs and inclusions are noted in the finish but overall, a
wonderful presentation. The side panels are nice and straight,
flares have been added to the fender lips and the door handles have
been shaved giving a very clean look. More black trimmings surround
the rear side windows as well as the curved rear glass. Adding more
to the smooth look, the drip rails have been shaved and on the back
vertical oval styled LED taillights are just on top of either rear
quarter with another large black bumper is below and a custom rear
roll pan. A very solid and well-built car the Swedes are known for
using a much thicker gauge metal for their exterior claddings.
Polished lip 17-inch Foose wheels in 5 spoke format are on all 4
corners and are wrapped in 215/45R17's.
Interior
Tastefully colored and paneled black vinyl covers the doors which
have a black painted upper sill are looking very nicely preserved
from the restoration. Inside, the hits keep coming with front
buckets with high backs and checkered pattern inserts courtesy of a
Volkswagen GTI MK7. In back is an elongated and roomy 2 plus 2 rear
bench which sports a center armrest and some padded black side
panels. A black vinyl headliner floats above and below, like new
black carpeting floods the floors. A nifty Nardi wood rimmed 3
spoke steering wheel fronts an original simple dash and instrument
cluster. This steel dash has a nicely padded black top with a trio
of gauges mounted dead center. Power window switches have been
added to the steel dash lower along with a Vicseed smartphone
holder. Finally, a short shift lever grows from the black vinyl
wrapped consolette which reaches from under the dash towards the
driver and is nicely within his/her reach.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a fully restored and reconditioned 1.8 Liter B18
inline 4-cylinder engine, (circa 1969), sporting a newer cylinder
head from a fuel injected car and a mild performance camshaft. It
looks just beautiful with deep red block paint and a black ribbed
valve cover. Noticeably apparent is a Weber 2bbl carburetor with a
matching Weber 2845 Cannon intake manifold. On back an M41 4-speed
manual overdrive transmission is on, and the rear axle weighs in at
4.10 ratio. Keeping things cool is a new aluminum radiator and
helping to stop is a Wilwood master cylinder.
Undercarriage
Nicely buttoned up and all structurally sound underneath with an
overall black undercoated patina mixed with road dirt. The rear
axle is newly painted as are the control arms. We see independent
coil sprung suspension for the front, and a 3-link with coil
springs for the back. Wilwood disc brakes are upfront, and drums
for the rear.
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 save for the main dash cluster, and the driver's
door popper being a bit finicky. A huge shout out to the upgraded
engine, brakes and especially the modern seating.
A customization that was enjoyed and then carefully put back in the
garage for safekeeping until its next outing. 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 1963 but it does not look its age.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.