1967 Volvo 122 122S

It's an emotional thing to sell such a beloved car. This car has been with me through several long-term relationships, and I always chose the Volvo. I know it will outlive me, you and just about everyone we know that is alive today. That is how durable and rugged Volvo made their cars. Just check out their old ads, or better yet, WATCH MY FOR SALE VIDEO on this Rocket Restomod' the world has affectionately come to know as "Arthur the Amazon":
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I would describe this car as a touring car more than a performance car. It's made for the open road. While the IPD suspension makes this sub-2400 lb Amazon handle like its on rails, with the perfect amount of dampening from custom-valved Bilsteins and V-Performance's famous progressive lowering springs, you are cushioned by the orthopedically-designed S80 T6 seats which provide the most support for your spine on those long interstate trips--and that is exactly what I did with Arthur--travelled the country meeting other enthusiasts and documenting my travels on Youtube. Did I mention this car has a full restoration build diary on Youtube and IPD's website? Watch it here:
size="4" face="Arial">IPD's Build-Off Diary here (with photos)
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Some details about the car:
(Yes, the VIN is really 6 digits on the title)
◾️Engine:
*Engine rebuilt by Empire Engines in Albuquerque in 2013 ~19,800 miles ago*
B18D +0.040" pistons, new wrist pins
"C" grind cam with new bearings
new lifters (sold by IPD)
Sundries kit (freeze plugs, oil pan hardware)
3 way valve grind
Valve adjusters replaced
new valve springs, guides, seals, hardened seats
ground crank main and rod bearings with new oversize bearings (0.020")
reconditioned connecting rods
Crane Cams electronic ignition
NGK Iridium plugs
Electric fuel pump (pump that is on the block has been rebuilt, but was putting out more than the specified pressure, and I couldn't find a blanking plate, so it is filled and looped so it can be used if you wish, with the Mr Gasket regulator.)
Mr Gasket Fuel Pressure Regulator
4-1 exhaust headers
DEI Titanium header wrap
Aluminum machined valve cover with rubber lifetime valve cover seal.
Miata alternator - internally regulated and on its own fuse to keep the OEM wiring original.
2.25" exhaust setup with heavy duty brackets
Weber 38DGES 2 barrel synchronized carburetor with electric choke
Heavy Duty motor mounts
Fender cushions and rubber buttons replaced
front and rear hood seals replaced
Neoprene upgraded rear main seal.
Engine painted Hemi-Orange
magnetic drain plug
◾️Transmission/Drivetrain
Rebuilt M40 4 speed manual
all axle seals replaced, bearings showed no wear and were not replaced.
All axle and transmission fluids replaced
◾️Interior
S80 T6 leather seats with covers
Custom carpeting
3 point retractable seatbelts using OEM bolt locations
AEM Wideband O2 gauge to monitor Air:Fuel ratio
Sunpro vacuum gauge
ProTach Tachometer (non-intrusive mounting using existing windshield trim hole)
14 inch wood steering wheel and shift knob
JVC Radio w/ AUX (not wired in)
130AMP circuit breaker - rubber-spray coated terminals to seal.
Swedish accessory trim pieces (flakt, ljus, choke, v-tork)
New ignition lock and key
new door locks and keys
35% VLT tint all around
Tanks INC 15 gallon fuel tank w/ custom welded brackets
Fire extinguisher mounted on passenger kick panel
Battery relocated to trunk
All window channels and plastic scrapers replaced
Windshield and rear window seals replaced
◾️Exterior
357 Verde Street Metallic paint
All 4 fenders rolled and flared
HID headlights with projector lenses and LED running lights
LED brake light bulbs
New rubber on all tail lights and headlights (after 5 years beginning to show some wear in the full-sun areas)
New hardware on fenders and all over the car. If it's not black, it's been replaced.
◾️Brakes / Suspension:
Rebuilt brake calipers with new pistons and seals (Centric in CA)
New brake shoes, wheel cylinders, hardware, parking brake cables
IPD front and rear sway bars w/ end links
IPD polyurethane suspension bushings (entire car)
V-Performance progressive lowering springs
Bilstein Yellow shocks (custom valved rear to be a little softer)
IPD Stainless steel brake lines
DOT4 brake fluid
Wilwood 2 circuit master cylinder with booster and custom bracket
Wilwood proportioning valve (currently set to fully open as the rear OE proportioning valve is still installed and functioning)
Polyurethane steering coupler
I know I am forgetting things, luckily you get a whole tome of receipts, labels and documents from the last 5 years of my restoration plus what I inherited from the original owner's family)
INCLUDED IN THIS SALE:
Clean New Mexico title in my name.Original red front and rear seats (worn out red "re-upholstery" over the original black covers).Original headliner hardware (bows, catches, etc)Any spare part you request and I have available (do ask and we'll see what you need)
You will note throughout the videos and over the years, this car has gone through a few variations of certain components, for example:
the transmission (M40 to M41 and back now to an M40)Exhaust from the downpipe flange on (was redone professionally at Muffler Brake Specialists in Albuquerque in 2017)Dashboard pad (was custom with 4 gauges on the pod, now reverted to stock)Radiator (I tried several aluminum types before finding a nice OEM one)
KNOWN ISSUES/Quirks
Over the last 5 years and 20K miles, there has been a leaning curve to owning and restoring a car. I have done my best to research and implement solutions that are long-term and reliable. That being said, here is a list of known quirks and problems:
There are some problem areas in the paint. I am uploading a video of a full walk-around and test drive so you can see in better detail. I had my paint shop inspect and quote replacing those. The highest bidder and I will discuss this if desired.The dent on the door can be pulled using paintless dent removal process, according to my body shop.At one point three years ago I ran out of 25A stubby fuses, so I used a blade-style fuse in the spot. It has not budged once, but that is why you will notice the fuse cover is removed (fuse cover is included)No headliner, but with the sound deadening and bedliner paint used I never noticed the absence of the liner.Rear main engine seal likes to drip - but can you blame it, it's originally a felt type seal. Same goes for the front felt sealM40 transmission has a weak detent in the top ball-and-spring that attaches to the shift bar. What that means is the shifter weight drops the lever out of first gear if you are on-and-off the throttle in first gear. I just use one finger to counter the weight of the shifter if I am in stop-and-go traffic and need to remain in first gear, or in parking lots.Temperature gauge at "normal operating temp" reads one slot above halfway. When you are sitting in 100 degree heat at idle, you do get a creep in temperature. I recommend a shroud or B20 fan if you live in a hot climate.Interior blower fan switch had an internal short so it was disconnected, fan has been removed, but silver dome cover is in its place.Seat belt reels are on the bottom, meaning you will pull to unreel from the bottom, instead of the top, like in other cars. This is because the belt length is too short to mount and route traditionally. The alternative was to have the reels at the level of your head, which is a hazard and inconvenient.One spark plug wire is black. The rest are blue. Don't be nit-picky. :)I recommend an adjustable panhard bar if carrying a load or passengers in the rear. One side tyre will rub if loaded and hitting an overpass bump that compresses the suspension.Some scratches/chips in paint from the installation of some trim, like the rear bumper, door chrome sills, and a car cover that had a sharp edged tie-down on the rocker. See above note for paint.The steering box may require adjusting. It's nothing like a rack-and-pinion that all modern cars use, but could be tightened up.Some scratches in the tint from little doggy nails as they poke their head out of the windows on the road.One window crank handle missing the little plastic bit, rear passenger side.some spots of engine paint has come off over the years of car washes and heat cycles.I'm not the best at adjusting fast idle on the choke for the weber. I have replaced the choke assembly and it does not have a fast idle, it just warms up reliable at normal idle. Driving while the engine is cold only requires a little throttle play to get it going until it warms up. Does not stall when coming to a stop.
These engines are amazing. There is a reason Irv Gordon hit 3 million miles and counting in his P1800's B18. I use synthetic 20W50 oil and change it often. The Weber 38 DGES may be too much carb for a 1.8 liter engine but it definitely feels faster than the progressive 32/36 DGEV. This car is also a head-turner. Be prepared with witty replies for the banter that ensues, and all the non sequitur "I used to own an old Latvian car back in the 1890s" that come. I love to allow people to share their stories, even if I can't add or relate to them, it's enough to listen and learn. Additionally, this car attracts old Volvo lovers who may have since sold their classic Volvos but remember them fondly. Just this last week a man at a car show went home, got his old manila folder out and brought it back to the car show and gifted it to me. It was old brochures and magazine articles from the 60s and 70s, when he used to own and love PV444s, 544s and 140s. Arthur garners that kind of attention. Thank you for reading, watching the videos and joining me in this great journey of life lessons learned through owning a classic Volvo 122S. If you promise to give Arthur a good home and patiently love him through all his moods, he will faithfully love you in return and put a smile on your and others' faces. Cheers!
David Bello
505-417-0588
[email protected]
NOTE TO BUYER: Please call me and let's close the deal off eBay to save on the fees associated here and on PayPal. It's costing enough to post as it is. I accept cashier's checks or cash. Deposit required within 48 hours of listing end. Paypal deposit is accepted.
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