RICHARD DREDGE
In 1956, a prototype of a new passenger car from Volvo was presented. It became known as the Amazon in Sweden and the 121 and 122S in export markets, the latter denoting a more sporty derivative. However, despite its substantial appearance, all Amazons were surprisingly fleet of foot - this was one of the most sporty European saloons of the 1960s. With its elegant, timeless styling the Amazon broke new ground for Volvo - and for passenger cars as a whole.
Includes the history of Volvo before and after the Amazon
Development and production of all Amazon derivatives from 1956-1970, including the 121, 122S, 123GT and all of the estate editions
Biographies of key Volvo personnel, including the company's first designer, Jan Wilsgaard
The Amazon in motorsport, plus driver biographies: Tom Trana, Sylvia Osterberg and Carl-Magnus Skogh
Full buying guide along with tips on tuning and modifying, including rally preparation
An insight into what the press thought of each Amazon derivative, with pages also devoted to how the car was marketed in period