The History of the Volvo 123GT - The Rare Amazon

[@frankfabian1168]

I ordered a red 123GT in Montreal in the winter of 1967, and took possession in April, as I recall. I think it was one of the first to arrive from Sweden - no fog lamps, fender mirrors, or extra loud horn. Paid around $3000 Cdn.... at that time the US and Cdn currency were very close. The first week I owned the car, I was pulled over by a policeman, flashing lights and all. I was a little shaken, but as it turned out he had a 123GT on order and just wanted to take a close look and chat about the car. Regret having sold it 5 years after purchase, but back in the day road salt was chewing up the rocker panels at an alarming rate. Still have the red face plate that covered the opening for the radio. That red was an amazing colour!

[@boudewijnhout5182]

Nice story David ! Hereby some extra info from a Dutch Amazon GT enthusiast (and collector) about the 133GT which is probably more rare then the 123GT. I have got three 123GT's and three 133GT's in my collection. The Dutch Volvo-importer Niham mainly wanted to promote the new 144 back in the 1967-'68 and was less interested in the 123GT, which was also considered (too) expensive (fl. 14.750,-). In the brochure of the model year 1968 (P-series) in addition to the 121 and 122S, the 123GT is also mentioned, while in 1968 it was no longer delivered as standard in the Netherlands. As an alternative to the 'sporty rider', there was a so-called GT version: a 122S with a GT handlebar, a GT emblem on the tailgate and the 115 hp B18B block. On the front fenders the 122S emblems. This version was only available for the Dutch-Belgian market and has the type number 133941 (assembly in Belgium). VIN no. Volvo Amazon GT explanation "oude Volvo": 133351, 133951, 133941 1st digit: Chassis (1= Sedan) (2= Sationwagon) 2nd digit: Number of doors (2= 4- or 5 doors) (3= 2 doors) 3th digit: Motortype (1=B16A, B18A, B20A) (2=B16B or B18D) (3=B18B or B20B) 4th digit: Model (2= Standard) (3= Special assembled in Sweden) (4= Export) (9= Assembly outside Sweden) 5th digit: Gearbox (4= Four gears) (5= Four gears + Overdrive M41) (6= Automatic) 6xt digit: Steeringwheelside (1= LHD) (2= RHD) Only in Sweden assembled 123GT have VIN no. 133351. So the in 1967 123GT made in Halifax Canada or Gent Belgium had typenumber 133951 (letter M) The in 1968 produced GT without and Overdrive were no longer called 123GT but 122S GT or 133GT and had VIN no. 133941. In other countries, in 1968 (P series), 1969 (S series) and 1970 (T-series) the 122S was in ordinary version (type number 133341) and the 123GT (133351) was still supplied. Most of the additional accessories that were standard on the 123GT could be purchased at any Amazon as desired. It is striking that Volvo mentions types 121 and 122 for the 1968 model year, while it was the two-door version. For the 1969 model year, Niham mentions types 131 (fl. 11.475,-) and 133GT (fl. 12.375) in her news bulletin. The last one with the 118 hp B20B block. The 133GT was therefore available in two series: the P-series with the B18B block and the S-series with the B20B and available in the usual colors of both model years. I don't know what the exact production numbers of the !33GT are, but were less than the 123GT's made. Presumably there are now fewer 133GT's in Belgium and the Netherlands than 123GT's (later relatively many 123GT's were imported). Latest Count as per George Minassian worldwide 123-register: 1967 x 505 cars 1968 x 84 cars 1969 x 12 cars 1970 x 1 car

[@stargazeronesixseven]

This is Comfort Food for those who grow~up in the 1960s & 1970s with Volvo Amazon 122s >>> 🙏 Thank You So Much for Loving & Taking Good Care of Made in Sweden Volvos over the decades for All the Royal Fans out there! 🕯🌷🌿🌍💗🕊🇸🇪🇺🇸🇨🇦

[@wmfthe5th376]

My 1966 122S was purchased new by my grandfather and passed to my mother when he died. I'm the 3rd owner, and was given the car when I turned 16. Next year will be our 40th 'anniversary' and it's quite likely the car will last longer than me ;)

[@russellflacco9589]

Congratulations. I had a similar car in the 70s but the rust bug took it regarddless of how much body work I could afford to repair. Nor have a beauty 66 122S which I totally treasure. Just sold my lovely 1800ES it hurt to sell it but the Amazon is a keeper.

[@calvinkwaak6866]

same thing here! my grandfather bought it and passed it down to my mother and now i’m restoring it with my dad, it’s a 68 122s in dark green with tan interior

[@delukxy]

Oddments. Dark blue GT's quite common in the UK, RHD of course. B18A cars common in Europe. Not awful. Sweet driving and make good tow cars. A cars have an A cam. Certainly in the UK the early 122S cars came with OD. No one seems to know why the GT never got 4 1/2" wheels. They could have used the ones from the 1800. The Wagon ones are heavier but work fine. The 165 tyre fits the spare wheel well so either the 4 or 4 1/2" will fit fit. I have Wagon ones on my '65 2 door 121 B18A Single downdraught Zenith. The last B18A's got the angled Stromberg and that carried on to the B20A. Some of the 123GT upgrades were to get a better spec for competition work but a bit too late with the introduction of the B20. Along with the same model year 1800 they got the best one piece iron manifold. Both GT's and 1800's of that year got engine blocks that had an extra lump in front of the fuel pump with 2 holes for the alternator bracket but the 1800 still kept the dynamo. The GT got it to keep up with the fog and spots. These are different lamps. Having it also allowed it to be in the homologation specs which would allow more powerful lamps for rallying. They got it with the B20. The B20 GT's lost some of those upgrades and matched the lower specs of some things in the standard B20 models. Gutter and bonnet trim deleted along with rear arm rest and door pockets. Wing mirrors deleted. These were thought to have been requested by the Swiss importer. You show the brochure here, the blue and white one. I have that one, it's just a single sheet, and would like the Japanese one! Nicely done David.

[@JamesCashmore]

I have seen a White 123GT B20 1969 in Japan..

[@DigitalMentorGroup]

My Geography teacher at Fort William Collegiate Institute (FWCI) In Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, owned a 123 GT (Hi, Mr. Richardson!). The car was Volvo's version of British Racing Green, over a tan interior. I can still remember how it sounded when he would drive off after school. I've owned several Volvo's since, starting with several 240s, 2 245s an S70, and my current Ford Fusion, which is based on a S80 platform. In Europe, the Fusion is also sold as a wagon as well. Parked side by side, their wheel bases are almost identical.

[@matthewdupuis232]

4:34: That's my car! Notes on the Canadian models: ours were 133951 and never came with several of the options that make the Swedish cars unique. We didn't have the auxillary lights, the under hood or trunk lights, or the extra relay panel and wiring. Transport Canada also required the mirror mounted on the driver side door, though these appeared to be installed at the dealership. Interesting note: mine had a '67 Chrysler A-body driver side mirror originally mounted to it. I have seen trunklids from a few Canadian GTs and they have a mishmash of badge locations, so it seems like they were haphazardly applied as well. Our cars DID come (standard?) with the limited slip diff, and were offered in the unusual colours. Mine is the 91 light green with green interior, a combo I quite like. We got the rest of the GT essentials - B18B, M41, alternator, brake booster, steering wheel, tach, and reclining seats. I'm not sure about the horns.

[@toddkemper3555]

I always wondered why mine (also Canadian) didn't have the auxiliary lights! Mine was originally the same colour as yours, but is now a british racing green with tan interior... not original but much of the car isn't. I'm currently trying to find mirrors that will fit, as I ditched the original mirrors years ago (which I now regret).

[@Stefan-]

We had an old 123GT Amazon when i grew up, a red one from 1967. I think it was the late 70´s early 80´s, the Amazons were very common here in Sweden, a lot of people we knew had an Amazon as well. I actually still have the horn button from that car, the steering wheel was a bit cracked so a smaller sportier wheel was put on. I think the car was scrapped by some later owner though since the registration number now belongs to a 1999 Volvo V40 which in turn has not passed inspection for five years. I drive a 1998 Volvo 940 Classic wagon myself that i have owned since 2004, i love that old Volvo, but i have also always loved the Amazon ever since i was a kid, it has a special place in my heart.

[@Jonathans76000]

I think i am very lucky.... I have two 123 GT. Both 1967. One from Swizterland, the other was made in Canada! :D

[@chikitabowow]

It breaks my heart to see old photos of Amazons in Sweden, because a lot of times they were beaten within an inch of their lives. Like, i was talking to a friend of my dad who owned a 123GT in the early 80's, and got into a *very* minor fender bender with it. After that he and some friends took it out for a wild ride in the woods, got back to garage and essentially smashed the thing because they were bored and it was more of a hassle to sell it than to take it to the junkyard. The only thing he saved from it was the 123GT badge and the mount for the alternator on the engine. And about 3 months before that he apparently tried to jump it like they do in the movies, which is insane to me! But i guess it shows that people back then didn't know what they would eventually be losing.

[@conceptalfa]

He safed the mount for the alternator? What kind of idea was that? Not the steering wheel, or the Smith rev counter?

[@bobdebouwer7835]

Back then cars had low life expectancy.

[@Batalia122]

I own a Frankenstein 122s. It has a b20f from a p1800, cooling system from a 140 and a m46 from a 240. Best pieces from all models.

[@anders.2259]

In my youth I had a Amazon 1959 a red 4 door version with changed motor from a B16 to a B18. And after that I had a blue Amazon 1969 2 door version with a modified B20 engine. The problems with the Amazons was the rust that killed most of them. The engines run for ages just check the oil and water and replace the oil and filters when needed. It would be fun to see a updated production made Amazon to day that was 4-5 inches wider over the roof and along the body and a few inches lowered and the rest with a new engine, gearbox, underbody with the latest technology. 😁

[@adrianl7147]

I strongly recommend a product called POR-15. You need to de-grease and clean the metal well, but once you put this stuff on it's bulletproof against rust. I usually shake my head with "new" versions of classic vehicles. They're WAY too big! (VW Beetle, Mini) I'd say that the best one so far has been the FIAT 500. But having written that it would be fun to see a new Amazon, with a lovingly retro yet modern dash.

[@bobdebouwer7835]

Yes the Amazon needs to be a bit wider

[@mikemurphy2319]

Gidday,just to addd some more info.The 1969 123's had disc brakes on all four wheels and twin fuel fillers mounted up in front of the boot lid on the strip that wrapped across at the bottom of the rear window and were more of a base for rally competition.Also the car add in the magazines for the car showed it crossing a creek at speed with a title saying "Drive it like you hate it" which from personnel experience seems to be a thing they love.Fantastic car.

[@brallybear620]

I had an 1967 123 GT for a couple of years in the early seventies, that I used both as a family and rally car. Basically the only modifications for rally was Auto Trygg shocks, a louder 2" exhaust system, bucket front seats and a skid plate under the engine. When rallying I switched the gearbox to a normal four speed instead of the four speed plus overdrive unit that was standard equipment. This because the Laycock overdrive just couldn´t take the abuse. It also robbed a few HP from the rear wheels. The difference in performance was clearly noticeable.

[@mortgrimma2301]

As always great. It warms my heart that you make better and in depth historical videos about retro Volvos than we swedes do.

[@Rambo454]

Very interesting. I personally own a 1964 Amazon 121 2-door with a B18A engine and M40 gearbox. Though certainly not the most powerful configuration with 75hp, it's been daily driven for about 30 years without an engine rebuild or anything, which is explained by the single carb and non-overdrive transmission that make the car pretty much indestructible. Also, in my opinion the pre -64 cars are the best looking with factory white-wall tires and the old trunk emblem. What fun cars!

[@DavidBello]

I agree on the older cars. That’s why I built my 62 to be so beautiful 😊

[@hannamichalska5691]

I had 2 123GTs back in the day. A red year round fun daily driver work horse and a second green wreck parts car. Both likely made in Canada as I live in Toronto. I put a short shifter in it from a P1800 and an Alfa GTV like console. It was a hell of a car, I graduated from a 544. It finally got rusty and I sold it a starry eyed you guy and went over to another brand of rust magnets, at least in Canada anyways, the Alfa GTV. KENGTA

[@kellypaws]

Ah, close to my heart. My mother drove one, when it was about 3 or 4 years old. A very special car.

[@MrJCTONE]

B18A was not sold in USA, and overdrive was a option right from the start of the B18D / S = production start late 1961. Powerbrakes were not std on 122 unless it was a wagon, or a 1968 car.

[@ligemegetligemeget8887]

I have 4 123gt, and 2 estate. One of them rebuilt to 123gt specs. Its a very nice car😀

[@chebmile954]

From Malaysia..Volvo is great car I think..I was own 4 models..244GL..240GL..740GL..an last is 940GL..no complaints at all

[@IRollEngineer]

Some non important stuff for the Volvo nerds. I do include myself in that group... 1:22 It's not press release 382. It's simply the postal address to the PR dept. at the time. AB Volvo Public Relations Box 382 (PO box) Göteborg 1 (City and "zip code". Technically not a zip code but since the address was a PO box and not a street address the 1 refers to the main postal office in the city.) Sweden Only just found your channel, will be checking it out.

[@mayflowerlash11]

Nice vid about an historically rare Volvo. One little niggle with the text you read about the 123GT. The 115 b.h.p. The b is for brake as in brake horse power. Power was measured on a machine which had a brake to control the rpm so they could get a reading at a known rpm. Your knowledge of these early Volvos is unsurpassed, thanks for the vid.

[@DavidBello]

Ah yes good catch! Thanks for watching 😁

[@onroadscameras]

I have a 1968 123GT ordered new in the UK in the dark blue, B18 engine plus a centre console. When it was delivered it was sent to Ken Rudd of Ruddspeed engineering and modified to a be a Ruddspeed 123GT car...it’s the only Ruddspeed 123GT.

[@JamesCashmore]

I owned that car (if it’s the same one) registration JVG 863G I believe!

[@onroadscameras]

@@JamesCashmore you were close...it is JVG 463G...;-)

[@JamesCashmore]

@@onroadscameras Cool. In that case there’s 2 blue 1968 123 GT’s that Ruddspeed worked on!

[@onroadscameras]

James, it’s the same car...I bought it from you ;-). This is Peter, you were a number off the reg number ;-)

[@adrianl7147]

Getting a Ruddspeed would be super cool. Right hand drives only as far as I know. There's one that was for sale for years in British Columbia but it was in very rough shape.

[@BustaHymen]

The collapsable steering column in the 142 didn't prevent my nose from breaking when I hit a brick wall. Then again, I lived to tell the tale, even without seat belts.

[@RichieRouge206]

Very interesting video dude, shared it in my ‘I Spotted A Volvo’ group on Facebook

[@DixieKoko]

Great video, David! Any little quibbles I might have are made up for with A=Awful, B=Better. Good job!

[@Mc_och_vandring]

Thank you for the video! I had a Amazon from 1966 back in the days. From my point of view is Amazon Swedens most beautiful car ;-)

[@mikecrowley3675]

What is it about the Volvo 120 series that so captivated me as a kid when all my Peet's were into SS396's and cars like that. After 60 years of driving and owning a Saab 9-3, bought new in 2003; two Lexus' IS2009 and IS 2011C, I bought a Volvo S60. Probably my last. Great videos!

[@p164b]

The 123GT was avaible in 4 colors in Sweden. Red, White, darkgreen and light (steel-) blue metallic nr 102. Nice video :)

[@conceptalfa]

Exactly, the guy omitted the blue one...

[@bjornnilsson8352]

Light green, dark blue, and green blue metallic as well, albeit very few made.

[@HGSolberg]

b.h.p. = brake horsepower, not base horsepower. I guess you can say that the 123GT is an Amazon with the P1800 mechanics, but then again the P1800 is a sports car basically built with Amazon mechanics, just lightly tuned. So the 123GT is basically a lightly tuned 122S.

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

Nice documentary of the Amazons👆👍👌☝️👏

[@connorPiper0]

Speaking of rare Volvos, I have always wondered if Volvo actually produced any 2010 Executive S80s with engines other than the V8. I have never seen one, or even found one on an online listing. If anyone knows, that would be nice!

[@Low760]

Outside of America, 4, 5 and 6 cyl engine's yes.

[@3wheelie]

I’m ashamed because i live in the heart of Volvo Sweden, the city of Gothenburg but I have never owned a Volvo Amazon.😔 But it’s not to late to convert.

[@bobdebouwer7835]

Meanwhile I got my amazon from your city 3 years ago:)

[@mikaeljonsson4686]

My uncle had a junked Amazon wagon that we used for target practice with our air-rifles when I was a kid in the early 80's...

[@DavidBello]

All is forgiven, its important to have good aim

[@russparker1647]

Had a 1967, licensed as a 1968, in brg. Great car for the time.

[@nbleys5696]

I'm Oregon David, and one of these days I'd love to find a 122s amazon 😇

[@adrianl7147]

There are several in Washington State and British Columbia. I found my '66 two-door (built in Halifax) in a field with 2 inches of water in footwells. It's a fun restoration project, even if you have to replace everything. I pulled out the engine and automatic transmission and put in a '67 B18 with an overdrive 4-speed. You really need a standard donor car to do this, to get the pedals, etc.

[@nbleys5696]

@@adrianl7147 Thank you for the imfo and encouragement 🙏

[@glynjones2540]

I've always thought of the 123GT as one of those mythical cars with 1500 built of which only 2000 survive! A bit of research has one magazine quoting a price of $4160 with another saying it carried a premium of $600 over the 122. Wasn't it a fact that the very late cars with B20 engines actually had more performance than the GT?

[@DavidBello]

That's like the 240 Group A cars. Seems like one shoes up every year. As far as I could tell the final B20B in the Amazons made 118hp using the C camshaft before they moved on to fuel injecting it for other models.

[@jamesreed5362]

Had 1967 2 door dark green. On the hi way the carburetors would freeze up.at tolls motor would rev up. Great car should have kept it.

[@arevee9429]

I have loved and paid careful attention to old (140 series and older) Volvos for many decades and have only ever seen 1 123GT. And it may have been a fake. But it sure got my attention. It was very subtle.

[@Low760]

Doesn't sound right to me about using p1800 engines while waiting for the body builder given they moved to assembling in 65.

[@SSGTA440]

Saw LOTS of these in Canada....there are 2 in my neighborhood.....

[@ChrisEbbrsen]

Excellant! I DID NOT KNOW 140 SERIES CAME OUT BEFORE AMAZON SERIES? OR WAS THAT 123GT SERIES? STILL NOT CLEAR BUT OTHERWISE EXCELLANT INFORMATION. REALLY APPRECIATE THIS VOLVO INFORMATION.😅

[@DavidBello]

Amazon debut 1956, 140 debut 10 years later

[@audreyjackson5366]

Try a bored & stroked 142E drivetrain in that, as the p1800es

[@EnriqueLopez-hb5jn]

Awesome story of the Amazon GT.

[@johnnyboy1586]

Lovely car ,pitty they didn't design a nicer instrument layout on the dash

[@enriquelopez9124]

Awesome information

[@nigeldelrocket]

Fantastic!

[@motoflyte]

I just bought a P1800ES. It is "zippy", as jay leno says

[@makingithappen5178]

A few wagon out of 123 were built.

[@peterfox3989]

I believe the Amazon was assembled in South Africa after european manufacture was concluded and these models had 144 mechanicals.

[@brucebeauvais1324]

At least in the US market, the 120 cars and 140 series cars did have the same mechanicals. Same engines. trans and differentials. 140s had 4 wheel disc brakes but the 120s continued with rear drums. 1969 was the last year for US importation.

[@daw7563]

I believe they stopped production for the sedan in 1969 and the wagon 1970. But I may be wrong. 🙂

[@matskjellberg4793]

Its the other way, they stopped production for the wagon in 1969 and the last year for the sedan is 1970😊

[@DavidBello]

The p120 sedan stopped first in 67, then the p220 wagon 1969, and the p130 coupe was the sole available model In 1970

[@johnDukemaster]

@@DavidBello The second last one is at display at the Technical museum in Elsinore (Helsingør) Denmark with 40 km on the clock. The trip from the harbour in Copenhagen to the museum. A wonderful car in dark blue.

[@alancollard8939]

its not a amazon its a p 120 , the amazon name was only used on the 57/59 122 b16,s ,the name had to be dropped because kriedler owned the name amazon , so any thing b18 onwards is a p120 series

[@bobdebouwer7835]

I think they were allowed to keep using the name in sweden

[@tuomas5304]

My dad has a Volvo Amazon compi sport

[@Kenta59]

I think you’re wrong about 123gt was only produced as a 2door I had a 123gt in 1976, it was a 4door, white with a red leather interior, It also had the right engine, panel, gearbox and so and a matching number.

[@bjornnilsson8352]

you had a 4dr 121, probably a -66, with GT pieces on it. not uncommon in the day

[@Kenta59]

@@bjornnilsson8352 nope 100% original, red interior. Not the same seats in a 2 door and a 4 door The 4 door backseat had rounded corners and the front backrest was not foldable It had the overdrive, the panel padding with the shelf, tachometer and dual carbs. And according to volvo it was a vera rare original car

[@bjornnilsson8352]

@@Kenta59 unless you have the serial of that car so it can be verified (Volvo still have all the info so it can be checked) and proof in form of the plate by the pedal box, I call BS on your story, dude LOL

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

1:48 bhp = brake horse power, not 'base'! ;)

[@jannissen]

Funny that so many people claim that they have a 123GT. The numbers do not ad up folks

[@conceptalfa]

I own a 1969 B20 matching numbers Amazon and had no idea there also were 123 GT:s produced in '69 and' 70, let go only a few of them...

[@Bonzoguy66]

I think, the 1970 models, got the b20

[@goranrask2635]

Both 69 and 70 had all b20

[@WilliamAndrewPhilipBodie]

thats funny. my dad had a Volvo Amazon 4 door 1964 with a B18 105hp and over drive. and it was not a 123gt ???

[@conceptalfa]

👍 👍 👍!!!

[@georgeminassian9728]

Most of the information copied from my website. Volvo 123GT Register. www.volvo1800-120parts.com.au/123gt.htm

[@johnschofield8159]

I had a 123 by in dark blue reg number LNB 13 G In 1975 great car big mistake selling it

[@JamesCashmore]

It’s coming up for Sale again at Auction Dec 11 at mathewsons.co.uk/auctions/auction-dates/vehicles/16027-1968-volvo-123-gt

[@carlseiler6441]

Nice video. Watch for post on Instagram. Will tag you in photos from our local car show.

[@joeblow5305]

It’s pronounced “Vaal vo” It’s Brake HP, not base. HP. The Amazon name is not colloquial. It’s the name used. in Sweden. Excess of m41 and b18b? Production moved to Sweden in 1963, so your saying they sat on excess engines and transmissions for 3-4 years? Just because it’s a good “story” you don’t have to perpetuate the myth.

[@ericolivomartinez3674]

volvo la tradición de lo bueno

[@donmoore7785]

A is awful and B is better. What does the C grind stand for? lol

[@DavidBello]

Competent

[@rabola55]

Capable