| Volvo Amazon | |
|---|---|
 Volvo 122 two-door | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Volvo Cars |
| Also called | |
| Production | 1956–1970 667,791 produced |
| Assembly | |
| Designer | Jan Wilsgaard |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Large family car (D) |
| Body style |
|
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Volvo P1800 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,590 mm (102.0 in) |
| Length |
|
| Width | 1,620 mm (63.8 in) |
| Height | 1,505 mm (59.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 2,400 lb (1,100 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Volvo PV444/544 |
| Successor | Volvo 140 Series |
The Volvo Amazon was a mid-sized car that was manufactured and marketed by Volvo Cars from 1956 to 1970.[7] It was introduced in the United States as the 122S at the 1959 New York International Auto Show.[8]
The Amazon shared the wheelbase, tall posture and high H-point seating of its predecessor, the PV444/544, and was offered in two-door sedan, four-door sedan, and five-door wagon body styles — all noted for their ponton styling. In 1959 Volvo became the world's first manufacturer to provide front seat belts as standard equipment — by providing them on all Amazon models,[8] including the export models[8] — and later becoming the first car featuring three-point seat belts as standard equipment.
When introduced, the car was named the Amason (with an 's'),[7] deriving from the fierce female warriors of Greek mythology, the Amazons. German motorcycle manufacturer Kreidler had already registered the name, and the two companies agreed that Volvo could only use the name domestically (i.e., within Sweden), modifying the spelling to Amazon.[7] Subsequently, Volvo began its tri-digit nomenclature and the line became known as the 120 Series.[7]
The Amazon was originally manufactured at Volvo's Lundby plant in Gothenburg and subsequently at the company's Torslandaverken plant,[9] which began operating in 1964. By the end of production, 234,653 four-door models, 359,917 two-door models and 73,220 station wagons had been produced, of which 60% were exported;[8] for a total of 667,791 vehicles.
- ^ a b c Volvo 120 series, 1961-70 autobook, trove.nla.gov.au Retrieved 18 October 2016
- ^ a b c d John Smith, Profile on the Volvo 120 Amazon, www.volvoclub.org.uk Retrieved on 27 May 2013
- ^ Volvo 131 Autocar Road Test, www.flickr.com Retrieved 18 October 2016
- ^ Volvo advertisement, Autocar, 21 October 1966, page 32
- ^ Sales brochure for Volvo Canadian, 1800S & 544, www.canadiancar.technomuses.ca Retrieved 18 October 2016
- ^ "Volvo assembly plants". www.volvoadventures.com. 8 August 2008. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
- ^ a b c d "The Volvo Amazon: A Volvo beauty with mythological status turns 50". Volvoclub.org, 11 July 2006.
- ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference
VolvoLindhwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "From Mass-Market Cars to Niche Sports Utility Vehicles - The Volvo Torslanda Plant Turns 40". Swedespeed.com, 15 April 2004, Source: Volvo Car Corporation. 16 April 2004.