1963 Volvo 122S Amazon

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 restoration and customization, with a mildly worked engine, modern seating, upgraded braking and even some lightweight fiberglass to make this 122S Amazon a true one of a kind. What was originally a pedestrian mode of transport, it has now taken on a new life, somewhat emulating the custom look applied to the shoebox Fords. It has recently had new rubber seals all around installed, new bearings and seals front to back, an electric overdrive, and now a later model fuel injected head. Let's Volvo! (Volvo literally translates to I roll.)

Exterior
This straightforward design with the pontoon construction has a split blacked out mesh grille in front and is flanked by a frenched single round headlight on the end of each front fiberglass fender. Turn signals are stationed behind the grille and float just above a black powder coated bumper. A bulbous bump up hood in front leads us to the windshield, slightly curved and edged with black trimming and all bathed in an overall nice application of satin white. A few chip offs and inclusions are noted in the finish but overall, a wonderful presentation. The side panels are nice and straight, flares have been added to the fender lips and the door handles have been shaved giving a very clean look. More black trimmings surround the rear side windows as well as the curved rear glass. Adding more to the smooth look, the drip rails have been shaved and on the back vertical oval styled LED taillights are just on top of either rear quarter with another large black bumper is below and a custom rear roll pan. A very solid and well-built car the Swedes are known for using a much thicker gauge metal for their exterior claddings. Polished lip 17-inch Foose wheels in 5 spoke format are on all 4 corners and are wrapped in 215/45R17's.

Interior
Tastefully colored and paneled black vinyl covers the doors which have a black painted upper sill are looking very nicely preserved from the restoration. Inside, the hits keep coming with front buckets with high backs and checkered pattern inserts courtesy of a Volkswagen GTI MK7. In back is an elongated and roomy 2 plus 2 rear bench which sports a center armrest and some padded black side panels. A black vinyl headliner floats above and below, like new black carpeting floods the floors. A nifty Nardi wood rimmed 3 spoke steering wheel fronts an original simple dash and instrument cluster. This steel dash has a nicely padded black top with a trio of gauges mounted dead center. Power window switches have been added to the steel dash lower along with a Vicseed smartphone holder. Finally, a short shift lever grows from the black vinyl wrapped consolette which reaches from under the dash towards the driver and is nicely within his/her reach.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a fully restored and reconditioned 1.8 Liter B18 inline 4-cylinder engine, (circa 1969), sporting a newer cylinder head from a fuel injected car and a mild performance camshaft. It looks just beautiful with deep red block paint and a black ribbed valve cover. Noticeably apparent is a Weber 2bbl carburetor with a matching Weber 2845 Cannon intake manifold. On back an M41 4-speed manual overdrive transmission is on, and the rear axle weighs in at 4.10 ratio. Keeping things cool is a new aluminum radiator and helping to stop is a Wilwood master cylinder.

Undercarriage
Nicely buttoned up and all structurally sound underneath with an overall black undercoated patina mixed with road dirt. The rear axle is newly painted as are the control arms. We see independent coil sprung suspension for the front, and a 3-link with coil springs for the back. Wilwood disc brakes are upfront, and drums for the rear.

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 save for the main dash cluster, and the driver's door popper being a bit finicky. A huge shout out to the upgraded engine, brakes and especially the modern seating.

A customization that was enjoyed and then carefully put back in the garage for safekeeping until its next outing. 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 1963 but it does not look its age.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.