1968 Volvo 122 S review from UK and Ireland
"An old car with modern reliability and performance"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Clutch failed (just plain worn out)
Distributor clamp broke.
Camshaft drive gear broke up.
General comments?
Despite its age this was probably the best car I have ever owned. The few faults it developed were mainly due to simple age and wear and it is so easy to work on! I did some fairly minor engine tuning, mainly by adding the camshaft from the fuel injected model to this carburetted car and the performance was outstanding for a saloon car of this era.
People forget that in the 60's Volvos sold on performance. This car was a 1968 full five seater that could do over 115 mph with safety and reliability. It's only competition at the time was a Jaguar. The trouble was with the Jag you got plush carpets, leather seats and a wood dash. With the Volvo you got rubber mats, plastic seats and a painted metal dash, and for slightly more money than the Jag! What people missed was that with the Volvo you got build quality and rust resistance. Not a major selling point at the time.
If you want a slightly different classic that is perfectly usable today then consider one of these.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1968 |
| First year of ownership | 1990 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1996 |
| Engine and transmission | B18B Manual |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 130000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 180000 miles |
| Previous car | Triumph Dolomite |
| Date of Entry | 22nd May, 2002 |