1966 Volvo 122s Wagon Great Daily Driver B-20 with Overdrive

1966 Volvo 122 Additional Info:

Somewhat reluctantly for sale is my 1966 Volvo 122s Wagon. I've owned this car for nine years, and drove it daily until moving within walking distance of my workplace. Old cars need to be driven and I'd like the car to go to someone who enjoys these cars and will drive it regularly like it should be. I purchased the car from a gentleman in Colorado who bought it back in 1978. It was his family car, and it he did considerable work on it over the years of his ownership. This car has been well maintained by a local old Volvo specialist and by myself for the years I've been its steward. I have all records and receipts of all parts replaced and work done on the car since I've owned it, which will go with the vehicle. This car is an excellent example of a type which is getting harder to come by in unmolested or neglected condition.

Body: The car appears to have never been repainted or had any significant body work, nor ever been in any sort of accident. There is a small dent between the front grilles, and a small dent in one of the front doors which is only visible when the light is just right. The paint shows a few spots on the hood, roof and rear quarter panels where the factory primer below is showing, (more evidence its never been painted), as seen in the photos. All stainless trim is present and accounted for, in good condition. For a Volvo of its age it has very little of the rust-through issues which are so common in floor panels and door bottoms. There are no patches in any floorboards. There is, however, some rust located in the front fender wells, and behind both the front and rear wheels. Since bringing the car here to California, I have treated all of it with rust converter and have not seen any spreading over the last nine years. The door seals and window rubber is all present and accounted for, doors close snugly as they should, all body panels line up as they should, even the gas charged cylinder which holds the upper rear tail gate open still works.
Interior: The carpet is intact and has no badly worn spots. There are some dirty areas as one might expect in a car of this age, especially in the trunk area. The front seats have the stitching coming out, but I've simply used seat covers. The rear seat has an area on each side that should be restitched and some wear and tear on the top of the rear seat back. The back seat folds down completely flat to make a 6' long cargo area. Volvo was famous for early installation of front seat belts as standard equipment, and rear seat belts have been installed on this car as well. The headliner is not spotless but is completely intact. All glass is in good shape, wing windows open and lock as they should. All door locks function as intended from inside, and the front doors both lock from outside with the key.

Engine: It has a B-20 engine from a 1971 Volvo 140 series. This was installed by the previous owner, as well as the electric M-41 overdrive transmission from the same car. This car will do 75 MPH on the freeway all day long. The engine is happy and healthy with even compression readings, and no excessive oil consumption. It has a Weber 32/36 carburetor with manual choke, and the proper Weber fuel pressure reducer to reduce the pressure coming from the mechanical fuel pump to the low PSI these carburetors like. Oil has been changed every 3000 miles using Kendall non-synthetic oils which still have the Zinc content that old flat-tappet engines need. Valve adjustment has been checked summer and winter and adjusted as necessary.
Electrical: All lights, turn signals, brake lights, heater, wipers etc are all functional and the charging system has been upgraded from the original generator using a modified Delco single wire, internally regulated alternator. Included in the sale is the correct alternator bracket kit produced by the hilarious folks at the Swedish Embassy- (not to be confused with the Embassy of Sweden). This kit will allow the use of any regular old Delco alternator from your local auto parts store, and includes instructions and tips on proper clocking of the alternator, etc. Volvo 122's are notorious for breaking ignition keys, so a discrete push-button starter switch has been installed under the dash on the far left hand side.

Transmission: M-41 4 speed manual transmission with electric overdrive is quiet, shifts perfectly and enables the car to handle modern freeway speeds with ease. The overdrive switch is a simple toggle switch on the dash- after accelerating through 4th gear, push the clutch in and flip the switch and you've got a 5th gear. The overdrive solenoid was replaced new a few years ago.
Rear Differential: There is some rear end rumble which should probably be looked at, at some point in the future. The car is completely driveable as-is, but I would advise an inspection by a rear-end shop before any long, high speed road trips. During the 1960's, Volvo used Dana 30 differentials on their wagons. These differentials are found in practically every American 4 wheel drive vehicle built between the 1930's and today. So parts are readily available and shops know how to work on them.
Extra Parts: Included in the sale is a pile of various parts and Volvo specific tools I've collected over the years including a rear brake drum puller and a couple of cool original Volvo adjustable crescent/alligator wrenches. I have plenty of extra stainless trim, spare wing window glass and frame, rubber parts, headlight rings, electrical parts and lamp lenses, rear wheel bearings, seals, etc. which all go with the car. Included in the sale is a french Supless roof rack which while not being a perfect fit, matches the roof line well enough. It will need some hardware fabricated to attach it to the car, as I just used it with straps during the few times I found myself needing to put something on the roof. The sale also includes a new, well fitted all weather waterproof car cover.

Bear in mind that this is a 52 year old car, and it will have the wear and tear and ongoing maintenance requirements to be expected from an original surviving vehicle. If you have any questions or need additional photos of any particular part of the car before deciding to bid, please let me know BEFORE bidding, and I'll be happy to send them along. These are great cars and fun to drive!

This will be an as-is, where-is sale with a $500 nonrefundable deposit due within 24 hours of auction closing. Upon receipt of the deposit, wire instructions for the balance will be sent, which can also be sent via cashiers check (once cleared) or we can exchange cash in person. The buyer is responsible for arranging shipping, and the vehicle must be removed within two weeks of the auction close.