Volvo Amazon

Model Overview Volvo Amazon

P1200 A, 1957

Group

Foreword

4-doors sedan was introduced in October 1956 at Earl’s Court CarExhibition in London
The Amazon was mainly available in a 4-doors with two-tone colours; also available in monochrome black (19)
Black body/grey roof, grey body/black roof etc.
The following colours were standard available: 19, 49, 50, 51, and 54

2a Engine

B16A engine, 66 SAE hp

2b Cooling System

a roller blind for the radiator can be operated from the cabine by using a chain.

2c Fuel & Exhaust Systems

Petrol pump with sight glass

2d Control Linkage

· accelerator pedal attached to bottom plate

3 Electrical Equipment, Instruments

6 Volt DC electrical system
Colour of the front indicator, whichsolely functions as an indicator, is white. There is provision for a parking light
Front position light can be found in the headlamp
The glass of the rear lights is red and has a parking light provision. There is no provision for reversing lamps
Standard built-in clock on the right hand side of the dashboard, until chassis number 13345
a two-piece boot handle with on both sides a white light for the number plate as well as an extra red light as rear light

4 Power Train Rear Axle

H6 3-gearbox, 1st gear not synchronised
Rear Axle type ENV, Transmission 4.56:1
Hydraulic use of the clutch

5 Brakes

Brake master cylinder is similar to clutch cylinder, just bigger
Handbrake can be found between driver’s seat and door
Drum brakes all around

6 Front axle, Wheels, Steering

Closed rims, 4 inch width with a thin stainless steel decoration ring in the rim flange
Smooth chrome hubcap with centred red V-logo
Rim colour is the same as the colour of the body
Tyre size: 5.90-15, model diagonal with white side face

8 Bodywork

Padding (Lozenges structure) of the dashboard is extended (approx. 35 cm) over the top edge of the front door; the rear windos in the rear doors can be turned for fresh air
The heater function can be found on the far left side of the dashboard and operates a first type heater valve with steel casing
The heater differs from later models
The dashboard consist of an Amazon branded radio cover
Chrome rearview mirror
Backrest of rear seat comes standard with folding armrest and the V-sign in the middle
Imitation leather upholstery in four horizontal stripes
Attachment points for diagonal twopoint seatbelts front, the seatbelts themselves are accessories
On the hood, the word V O L V O is in gold
The emblem on the front fender is situated on the side of the jam. above the trim. It indicates Amazon in gold
On the rear bulkhead is indicated V O L V O [1956: Volvo letters [similar like on the hood, but then in silver, on middle part of rear bumper]
The trunk closure is not situated in the boot but underneath
Characteristic for the three-piece grille is the heavy aluminium rim that covers the entire depth of the front plate and wide horizontal bars
The front is rather different with a kink in the middle
Firewall to the boot is missing, it consists of a carton board pane

9 Miscellaneous Equipment

As extra there is a diagonal twopoint safety belt in the front
The screen washer system is extra
Fenders are accessories
Heating in the front only

Year Model: 1958

· 16 april 1958: start of export cars, 4-gearbox solely

2a/4

· Introduction of the B16B with 85 SAE bhp in combination with the M4 4-gearbox; as extra this gearbox can also be ordered with the B16A.

· Fender emblem: Amazon or–S in gold, -S in red matte.

Standard colours: 19, 49, 50, 51, 54 and 60.

Mounting thread for threepoint safety belts comes standard; the seat belts however are accessories

Year Model 1959

The boot handle changes into a pointed and elongated single form with rune sign and the word VOLVO. The bottom of the rune sign is also the boot lid opener.
The heater function moves from the left side of the dashboard to the middle
The heater unit gets changed. the casing of the electric fan is convex-shaped, grey-blue in coloue and is placed in the middle of the bulkhead
The fender emblem: Volvo-121 or Volvo 122-S, black matte on gold, the S in red matte; for the Swedish market the Amazon-logo remains.
2 extra standard monochrome colours get introduced: 56 and 59, both described as olive green

Introduction of the standard threepoint seat belt with square buckle on the centre console

Year Model 1960

Introduction in the USA of the 122S

The 121 can now also be ordered with the M31 gearbox, a Laycock de Normanville gearbox plus overdrive (on top of the standard H6 and M4)
All gearboxes now standard come with Synchromesh on first gear

Colour pallet expands with colour 42

Year Model 1961

The 122 can be ordered with the M30 semi automatic 3-gearbox

Improved car seats front and rear
Available colours: 19, 31, 42, 56. 59, 67 and combinations 49, 50, 51, 54 and 60

Year Model 1962

September 1961: introduction of the 131 model, a 2-doors body, in black only
September 1962: introduction of the 221 model, a station wagon, with the B18A only

Introduction of the B18A with 75 SAE bhp and the B18D with 90 SAE bhp
Valve cover with cap in the middle; the heater remains covex-shaped and blue-grey in colour
B18A in combination with the M40 or the M30 gearbox
B18D in combination with the M40 4-gearbox or the M41

4 plus overdrive

hanging accelerator pedal

Switching to 12 Volt
The indicators get their well known shape, orange for indication and a white front position light

Rear Axle Ratio M30+40: 4.10:1

M41: 4.56:1

For the 221: 4.55:1

B18D always in combination with disc brakes on front axle
Brake booster/servo is an accessory

Sedan and station wagon keep the 4 inch rims with tyre size 5.90-15
The Estate has 4.5 inch rims with tyre size 6.40-15

The grille gets replaced by a slimmer version, though remains a three-piece. With the change of the grillea, also the front panel changes internally
The rear door ventilation window disappears
Mud flap emblems: Volvo-121 or Volvo-122S
Emblem B-18: in wide shape on the topleft side of the grille and in small shape on the bottom right side of the boot lid, red matte on gold
Emblem overdrive: in zigzag-shape on the left hand side of the boot lid.
The colour combinations discontinue, except the one for the Swedish Police
Available colours: 19, 42, 46, 65, 67, 72 and 73

Year Model 1963

Threepoint rear lights, now with reverse lights included and orange indicators

Available colours: 19, 42, 46. 60. 67. 72, 73, 79, 80 and 84

Year Model 1964

The cap of the valve cover now in the front

Introduction of the full y automatic 3-gearbox BW35 for 4-doors models. Rear axle: 4.1:1

Introduction of rectangular boot handle
Headliner now made of plastic
Available colours: 19, 42, 46, 60, 67, 79, 80, 84 and 85.

Year Model 1965

The 220 now also available with the B18D, with the M40 gearbox only

The cover of the heater’s electric fan is now flatter and totally black

Petrol Pump now a closed metal model

The windscreen washer now situated on top of the hood

All models now standard deliverer with disc brakes. The Estate is standard delivered with brake servo. For other models this is optional
Brake Pressure limiter (?) on rear axle

4.5 inch rims with 8 silver grey oval cooling slots with smaller hubcaps. The V on the hubcaps is centred and in brillant monochrome black. Rims without rim trimming

Tyre sisze 6.0015 diagonal .

On the Estate rims of 5 inch

A new one-piece grille with a thin horizontal bar and three small vertical bars
No more emblem for engine indication. The rune sign on aluminium in matte black can be found on the left hand side of the grille
Fender emblems now under ornamental frame, square shaped with stylish little crown, model indication: 121 in matte black on bare metal; 122S in matte red on bare metal
Emblem Overdrive now straight
Handle on dashboard for passenger
Available colours: 19, 42, 46, 60, 79, 80, 84, 89 and 90

Orthopedic seats with optional head rests. Preparation for rear seat belts. On the centre console a different connection (oval buckle) for the front seat belts

Year Model 1966

Introduction of the Favorit, a simplified 131 with M30 gearbox

Without ornamental frame on windscreen and rear window, no weather strip on the roof, no lighter, just one visor and a small side window that cannot
be opened. Only available in black or white.

The B18D now gives 95 SAE hp.

Available colours: 19, 42, 46, 60, 79, 80, 89, 90 and 91.

Year Model 1967

Final production year of the P120
Introduction of the 123GT as run off flagship

2a/c

The Zenith carburettor of the B18A is replaced by a Stromberg and gives now 85 SAE hp
The B18D gets an exhaust manifold with dual front pipes and delivers now 100 SAE hp.

The arrival of the closed cooling system.

Yet another new grille, now with slimmer bars
The rune sign in black on aluminium can be found on the left grille
Seat belt system is the same as the for the 140.
on the hood, the word Volvo is now in silver instead of gold

Specifications 123GT:

B 18B with 115 SAE hp from the P1800.
Ornamental piece at the end of the exhaust pipe
standard alternator
Wipers with stronger springs
One fog light and one spot light
Lighting in engine compartment and trunk
M41 – standard overdrive
Emblems of 123GT on fenders and boot lid
Ornamental ring between hubcap and rim flange, following the cooling slots
Two fender mirrors
Tachometer central on the dashboard
Small tray in the centre of the dashboard.
3-spoke steernig wheel with the hooter in the middle, underneath the GT-sign
Recliner seats
Radial tyres in size: 165 SR 15
Available colours: 19, 42, 46, 60, 79, 91, 94, 95, 96 and 102 (GT only)

Year Model 1968

The B18D has been discontinued

Brake booster/servo system standard on all models

Introduction of the shared steering column in combination with a safety steering wheel

Available colours: 42, 46, 60, 79, 94, 95, 96, 97 and 102 (GT only).

Year Model 1969

This is the last production year of the 220

2a/c

Introduction of the B20A with 90 SAE hp and as B20B with 118 SAE hp
Improved emission system

Alternator now standard on all models

clutch controle changes from hydraulic to mechanic by cable

Separated braking system in double triangle shape: per system both front brakes and one rear brake
Warning light for the use of the hand brake
Waarschuwingslampje voor gebruik van de handrem.
Steering wheel lock