Basic Information and History

1965 Volvo Amazon sold new in Sweden – A Classic Gem with a Modern Twist

1. Mileage: 72,713 km
2. Previous Owners: 11

This 1965 Volvo Amazon is a true Swedish classic, originally sold in Västernorrland and likely used in nearby counties. The car, a 4-door model from the first year with front disc brakes, underwent a comprehensive restoration by its ninth owner in 2020.

Restoration and Condition

The Amazon has been fully restored and painted in its original color, Golden Yellow. The repainting includes the engine bay, trunk, and door jambs. During the restoration, numerous components were replaced:

1. Brakes, bushings, springs, and shock absorbers
2. Entire interior, including headliner, door panels, and floor mats

The car is equipped with rare Marchal fog lights with yellow glass, highly sought after today.

Performance and Driving Experience

This Amazon has been given a sportier character with a tuned engine and lowering springs, making it incredibly fun to drive. The engine features open trumpets and a 2-inch exhaust system, producing a loud and playful sound—a true delight for enthusiasts.

Condition and Minor Issues

The car runs well overall, but a few details need attention to make it perfect:

1. Carburetor adjustment: Slight hesitation under steady load.
2. Noise: A faint sound at low speeds that disappears when the clutch is pressed (possibly the throw-out bearing).
3. Door seals and rear bumper: Seals have door dings, and the rear bumper shows wear and tear.
4. Lock system: The key only works for the driver’s door; new locks are recommended for the doors and trunk.
5. Choke cable: Not installed, but the car still starts. After extended downtime, it may be hard to start, which could be resolved with an electric fuel pump if desired.

This Volvo Amazon combines classic style with a playful and modern feel. It’s perfect for someone seeking a fun enthusiast car or someone who appreciates timeless design and Swedish craftsmanship. With some attention to the mentioned details, this gem is ready for both the open road and car meets.

Features and Options

1. Safety belts: Completely absent.
2. Side mirrors: None currently installed, though a brand-new side mirror in its original box is included.

Body Condition

The bodywork is described as being in very good condition. However, the left splash guard (behind the left rear wheel) sits slightly too far inward, as visible in photos. The car is equipped with 5.5-inch KPZ wheels and Lesjöfors lowering springs all around. All bushings, tie rod ends, and shock absorbers have been replaced. There are no major dents or scratches on the body.

Doors, the left front fender, hood, and trunk lid have been replaced with better, used parts. According to the seller, there is no rust on the body. The paintwork, in the original Golden Yellow color (code 84), was applied in 2020 and is in very good condition, though it has not been polished after painting and has only been hand-washed a few times. While not of the highest show quality, the paint is decent.

Notable exterior blemishes:

1. A small flaw under the right taillight, at the joint between the fender and rear panel (visible in photos).
2. A small, round dent on the hood, about the size of a fingernail, visible depending on the light (could not be captured in photos).
3. Paint drips at the bottom edge of the front above the bumper (visible in photos).

The rest of the paintwork is good and would look excellent with a polish. Everything on the car has been painted, including door jambs, the engine bay, trunk, dashboard, and door tops. There are no stone chips.

Other body remarks:

1. The rear bumper should be replaced due to dents and rust spots.
2. Side moldings on the doors have marks from door dings.
3. Lower window seals have minor dents.
4. Rear light lenses are worn and cracked.
5. Side windows and rear window have scratches from snow scraping.

Despite these, the remaining chrome, lights, and wheels are in good condition. The tires are in excellent shape and have about 5,000 km of wear.

Interior

The interior is of very high quality and was completely reupholstered by a saddler in 2020. The materials are a combination of leather and tartan fabric. The black perforated headliner is in pristine condition. The seat seams are stitched with green thread, as is the edging on the floor mats. Even the door pockets are leather-wrapped. The leather was conditioned in autumn 2023.

Condition: The interior is virtually in mint condition.

Remarks:

1. A drilled hole to the left of the steering wheel, likely for a previously mounted switch.
2. Sun visors are missing.
3. The steering wheel is not original but from a 1970 model.
4. The front seats are Golf GTI Recaro seats and not original.

Engine and Drivetrain

The engine is in good condition and has been upgraded with several modifications:

1. Type: B20, bored to just under 2.2 liters.
2. Tuning: Stage 3 head, high-performance camshaft (specifications unknown).
3. Carburetors: New dual Weber 45s (installed February 5, 2024).
4. Ignition: New 123 distributor (installed October 18, 2023).
5. Exhaust: 2-inch system.

The engine has been dyno-tested at 161.28 hp by Trendab (November 1, 2024). The clutch, gearbox, and rear axle work well, though a slight noise is heard at low speeds, disappearing when the clutch is disengaged.

Brakes

The brakes work well but pull slightly to the left under hard braking. No brake booster is installed. All components, including hoses, calipers, cylinders, and pads, have been replaced.

Maintenance History

1. Spark plugs replaced this year.
2. Oil changed in 2023 and should be changed again. An oil filter is included.
3. Service records are missing, but the current owner has kept up with spark plug and oil changes.
4. The car was last inspected on July 14, 2020, at a mileage of 69,960 km. No inspection report is available.

Summary

This is a very well-maintained Volvo Amazon that has undergone extensive and thoughtful upgrades both mechanically and aesthetically. The car is in excellent condition, combining classic retro style with modern performance and functionality.