1966 Volvo 122

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 complete restoration from 20 years ago. What was originally a Graphite Gray exterior with a red interior is now a beautiful metallic blue with a tasteful brown interior. It has recently had new rubber seals all around installed, a rebuilt front suspension, and an upgraded Petronix distributor, electric overdrive, and now an SU carb head replacing the fuel injection which ultimately proved to be unreliable. Let's Volvo! (Volvo literally translates to I roll.)

Exterior
This straightforward design with the pontoon construction has a split chromed egg crate grille in front and is flanked by a single round headlight on the end of each front quarter. Turn signals wrap around the corners and float just above a pristine bumper. A bulbous bump up hood with V O L V O badging in front leads us to the windshield slightly curved and edged with chrome trimming and all bathed in a nice and still shiny metallic blue. Side panels are nice and straight, and a thin stainless trim spear runs from front to rear on the beltline. More trimmings surround the roofline and windows as well as the curved rear glass. On the back vertical lamp styled taillights are just above square marker lighting on top of either rear quarter with another large bumper is below. A very solid and well-built car the Swedes are known for using a much thicker gauge metal for their exterior claddings. Silver 15-inch steel wheels with a shiny moon cap are on all 4 corners and are wrapped in 165R15's.

Interior
Tastefully colored and paneled saddle brown vinyl covers the doors which have an exterior matching painted sill are looking very nicely preserved since the 20 year restoration. Inside slightly worn and tarnished from use front buckets with low backs and pleated checkered pattern inserts are seen. In back is an elongated and roomy 2 plus 2 rear bench which sports a center fold down armrest and some padded arms molded into the side panels. A white vinyl headliner floats above and below. Like new gray carpeting floods the floors. A nifty chevron styled and chromed center steering wheel with a Volvo script type badge fronts an original simple dash and instrument cluster. This is in back and has a nicely padded dash top. A/C is provided by an under dash mounted FrigiKing and done so by a dealer. The 4-speaker stereo is original to the car and the consignor states a new front windscreen was recently installed. Finally, a long shift lever reached from under the dash towards the driver and is nicely within his/her reach.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a fully restored and reconditioned 2.0 Liter B20 inline 4-cylinder engine sporting a newer cylinder head from a fuel injected car. It looks just beautiful with deep red block paint and a silver valve cover. Noticeably apparent are the dual SU carbs with paper air cleaner on their ends. On back an M41 4-speed manual overdrive transmission is on, and the rear axle weighs in at 4.10 ratio.

Undercarriage
Nicely buttoned up and all structurally sound underneath with an overall gray undercoated patina. The rear axle is newly painted as are coil springs. We see independent coil sprung suspension for the front, and a 3 link with coil springs for the back. Disc brakes are upfront, and drums for the rear. Also noted are newer IPD sway bars attached to the front and rear of this car.

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, and it was just a blast to drive! A huge shout out to the FrigiKing air conditioner as the test drive day was a toasty one, the A/C kept the drive icy cold.

A 20 year old restoration carefully stored when not in use over the years in a temp controlled garage. 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 1966 but it does not look its age.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.