1968 Volvo 122 Wagon B20 from North America

Summary:

Poor man's classic

Faults:

When I first acquired the car it didn't have rear brakes and had a number of electrical gremlins. After fixing these problems the car was driveable, even after sitting in a airplane hanger for 10 years.

The SU carbs are in need of some serious attention now. I will have them rebuilt soon. Other than that the car is amazingly reliable for being a '68.

General Comments:

This is my second 122 wagon. It has been a great car and proved reliable. The engine is very tough and runs like a watch (sounds like one too), although it lacks higher RPM pull, it has enough power for around town driving. The lack of a 5th gear makes this thing holler above 75 mph.

The car feels robust and tight. The ride can be a bit firm, but not to the point of annoyance. Cornering is not good. Lots of body roll. Not a performance machine here, but tons of fun for cruising around town and late night drives out in the country.

In general this is a fun car to drive and maintain. But, please do not try to hot rod these things (I hate it when people do this), buy an Alfa Romeo if you want a sports car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2002

15th Sep 2002, 00:29

Well, I do have a 1964 Volvo 122 that is "rodded" out. A b-23, ipd springs, etc. and it is FAST!

17th Dec 2004, 13:40

This is one of the best old cars out there. Keep in mind that when this car was designed, something like 80% of the highways in Sweden were still gravel - so this car is very over-engineered with no built-in obsolesence...

I have driven Volvo's for over 25 years, and have driven my current one (a 1963 122S wagon) for over 17 years. It has over half a million miles on it, yet is still very reliable and strong (it has never left me stranded, or refused to start - never). I regularly take it on 400 mile round-trip jaunts, and it is a pleasure to drive. Though I have updated a couple of things (O/D transmission, Alternator and front disk brakes) and it cruises very comfortably and reliably. It is simple to work on, and relatively inexpensive to get parts for - which are still widely available both FROM THE DEALER (!) as well as a strong aftermarket.

If you want reasonably priced, classic transportation that will keep up with today's traffic and serve you well, this is a great car for you!

21st Dec 2008, 08:32

I agree,

Keep it original!