Volvo Amazon, rally-prepared (1978)

It’s no secret that we have a soft spot for the Volvo Amazon, at Peet Classics. Back in the days, cars from Sweden already gave the correct meaning to the term 'sustainability'. Body work that can withstand the elements, mechanics that don’t break – and plenty of margin to do some tinkering to the mechanicals. Like other Volvo models, such as the PV444/544 and 140 series, the Amazon is an perfect starting point as a historic rally car, as this example clearly shows. A car that has rekindled our love for classic Volvos, and which we are excited to show you in our showroom.

This Volvo Amazon was specially built in 2008, with the idea to rally it intensively. Not for the touristic tour around the block, but armed against the most extreme rally conditions. And certainly with more than just a spot somewhere down the rankings as the objective. This Amazon is a seriously fast rally car, based on original specifications and parts.

Under the bonnet lies the beating heart of this rally Volvo: an engine that has been drilled to a capacity of 2.3 liters. Breathing freely through two large twin carburettors and a polished manifold, it delivers 180 bhp to the rear wheels. And the car shows it too: an exhaust system made of stainless steel was specially developed for this car to ensure a free flow. In order to easily transfer the power to the ground via the four-speed gearbox, the Amazon has a rear axle with differential lock. While not doing a special stage, an overdrive brings some peace aboard.

The body of the Amazon is completely welded through, so that undesirable twisting of the construction is kept to a minimum. This benefits the steering characteristics, together with the adjustable Proflex chassis. The integrated roll cage also gives the car extra sturdiness – and safety for the occupants, of course. The safety is already on a high level, as you might expect from a Volvo, but it was taken to an even higher level with harness belts from Schroth and brake discs with a diameter of 300 mm.

Of course, the interior of the Amazon is decorated with the best rally accessories. The original instrumentation has been upgraded with a custom speedometer and rev counter, and has been supplemented with additional gauges for oil pressure and oil temperature. In addition to the Halda Twinmaster, two additional mechanical stopwatches are mounted on the dashboard for the navigator. The Scheel bucket seats fit like a glove and offer exactly the lateral support you want as a driver or navigator on a fast special stage. The interior is beautifully covered in red leather, combined with a headlining in Alcantara.

This Volvo Amazon comes with two sets of Minilite wheels, fitted with tires that prepare you for both fast and slippery rally conditions. The petrol tank has a capacity of 100 litres. In sunny weather, the sliding roof provides fresh air to the interior. Combined with the luxuriously upholstered interior and the overdrive, this Volvo would therefore be excellent for regular daily use. The set of spotlights on the front bumper bring light into darkness. And the heated windscreen and rear window keep the view clear of condensation.

A car that you must have seen. Please, come and visit the Peet Classics showroom in Voorschoten.