1966 VOLVO AMAZON 122S RUDDSPEED

This Volvo Amazon 122S is a smart example of the Swedish classic, which was upgraded in period by renowned tuning outfit Ruddspeed, and which competed in the 1969 Manx Trophy Rally. It has a wonderful patina and comes with extensive history. Under the bonnet is a 1.8-litre inline-four fed by twin SU carburettors, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The odometer shows 66,906 miles.

First registered on 13 July 1966 in the UK, KTX 752D has five previous registered keepers on the V5. It has been owned by the vendor for the past three years – though he also owned the car between 2013 and 2015 – and the history file also contains personal correspondence with previous owners that has helped to discover the car’s fascinating back story.

In 1968, it is now known that the car was sent to Ruddspeed, the well-known tuning and conversion specialist – famed for its work on AC, Austin Healey and Alfa Romeo cars in particular – where it was fitted with Bilstein suspension, a new camshaft and Ruddspeed cylinder head, uprated carburettors and a new distributor. A special Ruddspeed exhaust system was also installed, all with the aim of making the car faster and more reliable for the 1969 Manx Trophy Rally (now known as Rally Isle of Man). The car was entered as number 65 – hence the graphics that adorn the car today – and there is a copy of the race entry card in the history file, plus subsequent correspondence via email with the driver.

The bodywork and paint was subject to a restoration around 20 years ago, and the vendor reports that the chassis and body shell sections are solid. The doors, bonnet and boot lid are all believed to be original, as well as the engine. On close inspection, the red paintwork is aged in places as you would expect from an older refurbishment, though the bonnet and front wings have been resprayed more recently. There are some imperfections around the chromed bumpers and trims, and a few areas of bubbling around the rear arches, rear valance and at the bottom of both front doors. The windscreen has a crack in one corner, but it was not noted on the MOT. Included in the sale is a new lower driver’s door skin, a rear wheel arch section and replacement windscreen.

Inside, the black upholstery is in generally excellent condition for its age, and is understood to be original. There is a small tear on the driver’s seat cushion, and some splitting on the dashboard top, but otherwise no damage or heavy discolouration. All of the switches and knobs are in good order, with the only change to standard specification being the more contemporary stereo unit. Volvo rubber floor mats in the front and rear are original and also in great condition.

In early March 2020, this 122S was treated to a major service by renowned experts Rob and Emma Henchoz at Amazon Cars, Suffolk, as the owner had planned an adventure drive with the car through Europe to the Arctic Circle. The £4,000 work included new Bilstein shock absorbers, lowered rally springs, a 123 electronic ignition system, replacement of the M40 gearbox top, repairs to the overdrive inhibit switch, and fitment of a five-blade asymmetric fan.

Other work undertaken during the last year has included a new radiator and clutch master cylinder, as well as a new 4-2-1 exhaust manifold – with parts supplied by Volvo specialist Brookhouse. Previous owners have also invested in improving the vehicle, including an overdrive gearbox upgrade and an engine rebuild by XRN Engineering in Bracknell in 2002. Shortly after this, it was taken to legendary engine specialist R.S. Williams to have the crank assembly and flywheel balanced.

The last MOT test was on 25 February 2020 at 65,788 miles, with advisories for a minor exhaust leak – subsequently rectified with the work this year – and some dampness on the rear axle near the radius arm mounting bracket. The tyres are around three years old and still have 6mm of remaining tread.

It is supplied with its original buff green logbook, original Volvo handbook, old MOT certificates, and a ream of correspondence from previous owners as well as invoices for previous restoration and maintenance work. There is also a copy of the entry list from the 1969 Manx Trophy Rally, with the Volvo highlighted.

This Volvo Amazon 122S is a wonderful example of a model that was used to great success for motorsport in period. In the 1960s, other humble Amazons achieved success in the European Rally Championships, the RAC European Touring Car Championships, and even the African Safari Rally. With this car’s original Ruddspeed tuning, and lots of recent work to ensure it is in excellent running order, it would make a great companion for historic rallying.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Car Overview

  • 66,906 miles
  • manual
  • RHD
  • Red
  • Black
  • 1.8L
  • VIN215052


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #01745
  • private Sale
  • Esher, Surrey, United Kingdom

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