The Volvo Amazon, which was introduced in 1956 as a large family vehicle, was built for an incredible 14 years. Up until the moniker was phased out in 1970, Volvo provided three different body types and sold more than 660,000 vehicles.
Even if it isn’t the brand’s most recognizable model, the Amazon may be proud of a significant achievement. In 1959, it became the first automobile in the world to come standard with front seatbelts. A few years later, it was the first automobile to come standard with three-point seat belts.
Unlike its predecessor, the PV series, the Amazon was notably more popular outside Sweden. Volvo outsourced production in Belgium, Canada, South Africa, and Chile and introduced the car in the US in 1959. Of the 667,791 examples built, about 60% went to export markets.
Why am I talking about a Swedish automobile that went out of production over 50 years ago? Well, for starters, I like the Amazon’s styling. I think it’s pretty classic that looks good in any body style. Second, YouTube’s “Hampus Granstrom” just rescued an Amazon that had been sitting in the woods for some 30 years, and that’s something you don’t see every day.
This magnificent two-door automobile, also known as the 130 Series, was discovered in northern Sweden after spending a remarkable three decades completely exposed to the elements. And as you might have already suspected, it has a lot of problems, such as rust holes, faded paint, mold, and an outdated engine that needs work. Despite spending so much time outside, the automobile doesn’t appear too awful.
The body is still in one piece, and the interior appears to be complete at first glance. It’s one of those cars you could restore without spending a fortune on parts. There’s good news under the hood as well, with the original engine still in place.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Amazon, it was powered exclusively by inline-four engines. The Amazon debuted with a 1.6-liter four-banger rated at 60 horsepower in 1956, but Volvo added a twin-carb version with 85 horses in 1958. In 1961, the original 1.6-liter was replaced by a 1.8-liter lump good for 75 horsepower in base form and 90 horses with the twin-carb layout.
The latter’s output rose to 115 horsepower in 1968 from 65 horsepower in 1967 and 95 horsepower in 1966. In 1968, Volvo installed a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the two-door sedan model with 90 and 118 horsepower. There were numerous three- and four-speed manual transmission options, as well as a three-speed Borg-Warner automatic.
Although the model year of this white Amazon is unknown, judging by the wider front grille, it is probably a late 1969 or 1970 model. The engine looks to be the entry-level two-door Amazon’s 1.8-liter (B18D), 75-horsepower Volvo engine, which was available from 1965 to 1970.
But whatever version it is, this mill is one tough cookie. Even though it sat for 30 years without a sip of gasoline, the four-pot roared back to life with an oil change, a new battery, and essential maintenance. Moreover, our host was able to get the Volvo driving and took it back to his shop. Will this Amazon enjoy a total restoration? That’s a piece of info I don’t have. But until I do, watch it coming out of the woods in the video below.