Volvo Amazon 121 Saloon

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In 1956 Volvo launched one of its most successful model ranges, the Amazon series, which was to remain in production until 1970.

Starting with the 121 and 122 models, the Amazon range soon established itself as a comfortable, reliable and superbly well built car which also introduced new levels of safety equipment – still very much a novelty in the mid-Fifties!

Austere but beautifully proportioned, the Amazon was styled by Jan Wilsgaard who was inspired by American cars of the period such as the Chrysler New Yorker and the Chrysler 300C hardtop coupe, both of which it closely resembles although in a restrained Scandinavian way. It was also one of the first cars to feature an ergonomically designed cabin, with multi-adjustable seats and thoughtfully laid out controls.

Immensely rugged and well engineered, it was the car that laid the foundations for Volvo’s great reputation – many Amazons are still in daily use and are also extremely popular on the historic rally scene. The ‘hewn from solid’ look pioneered by the Amazon was one of the main inspirations for Peter Horbury, Volvo’s design director in the 1990s, who was instrumental in moving the company’s design language out of the boxy, utilitarian rut into which it had fallen in the 1980s and into a new direction that emphasised strong curves and distinctive shoulder lines that run the length of later cars like the S40 and the V70.

First registered in December 1966, this 121 four-door saloon has had just three owners from new and has been in the current ownership for 35 years. A Volvo enthusiast, the owner took great pride in the car which was well known on the club and show circuit in the 1980s and won several awards. Unfortunately the owner fell ill about 20 years ago and the car was put into barn storage where it was to remain until earlier this year.

Recently unearthed, it was drained of its old fuel, fresh petrol added, a battery hooked up and it burst into life straight away. Now in need of some light restoration and recommissioning, it comes with an old style V5, an owner’s handbook and various old MOT certificates, an online check showing that it was last taxed and on the road in 1994. Coming to the sale from a deceased estate, it is being offered here at no reserve.