Volvo Amazon
Jan Wilsgaard’s elegant saloon of 1956 – the first car with three-point front seat belts as standard.
The young designer Jan Wilsgaard drew the Amazon with inspiration from American and Italian cars. It was shown in 1956 and built until 1970.
In 1959 the Amazon got three-point front seat belts as standard in Sweden, invented by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin. The Amazon became a popular family car and a successful rally car.
Materials: Sheet steel, unitary body
Manufacture: Made in Gothenburg and at Volvo’s plant in Ghent.
Softly marked rear wings and a chrome waistline.
The grille with Volvo’s diagonal iron mark.
The designations 121, 122S, 123GT and the 221 estate; the name Amazon was used mainly in Sweden.
Rounded forms with a distinct moulding along the side, small tailfins and a wide grille with Volvo’s diagonal band.
Four-door saloon (120), two-door (130, from 1961) and estate (220, from 1962). The 123GT was a sportier version.