Volvo Amazon 131

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The image of the staid old Amazon, worthy but dull, has long been banished by the success of the cars in classic rallying. This 1966 Amazon, a two-door 131, has specification that reads like a rally car, but was constructed for a very different purpose: daily use in modern traffic.

Around ten years ago,  its prevoius owner took a low mileage car (around 40,000 miles) and went to work on it. The engine was rebuilt with an uprated ‘D’ camshaft, unleaded head conversion, new SU carburettors, and K & N air filters and an overdrive gearbox.

IPD polyurethane bushes and Lesjöfors springs and new dampers were fitted to the suspension, and all the track rod ends, ball-joints and wheel bearings, trailing arms etc. were replaced. New tyres, exhaust, and brakes all round were also fitted.

To make life behind the wheel a little more comfortable, leather seats sourced from a Volvo V70 and new seat-belts were also fitted.

Did it all work? Well the owner then put 40,000 miles on the clock in around six years!

Our vendor bought the car in 2015 and intended to use it in historic rallying. He fitted Minilite-style alloy wheels (with all-seasons tyres), an alternator, new brake calipers, brakes shoes and radiator. And then, unfortunately, ill-health forced a change of plans and the car is now offered for sale.

So NNU 615D is a very solid Amazon that has been well screwed-together with sensible upgrades. It would, as intended, make a super rally car with just a little further attention, or, as has been shown, make a very tidy daily driver. Your choice.