The Volvo Amazon is a rear-wheel drive car produced by Swedish manufacturer Volvo Cars from 1967 to 1974. It was the first production car in the world to feature a unibody structure made of high-strength steel, which provided excellent safety and rigidity.
Design:
The Amazon's design was penned by Jan Wilsgård, with input from Paul Copcutt. The car has a distinctive shape, with a curved hood, flared wheel arches, and a sloping rear deck. The front features dual headlights, while the rear boasts a large rectangular taillight.
Engine:
The Amazon is available with a range of inline-four engines, including:
- 1.8L B18A (60-80 hp)
- 2.0L B20F (100-110 hp)
- 2.0L B20E (95-120 hp)
Transmission:
The car features a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive, or an optional three-speed automatic.
Interior:
Inside, the Amazon boasts a simple yet functional dashboard design. The cabin is spacious, with ample room for passengers and luggage. Optional features include air conditioning, power steering, and a radio.
Dimensions:
- Length: 448 cm (176.4 in)
- Width: 173 cm (68.1 in)
- Height: 142 cm (55.9 in)
Safety Features:
As was typical of Volvo at the time, safety was a major concern for the Amazon's design team. The car features:
- A strengthened monocoque structure
- Three-point seatbelts as standard equipment
Production Numbers:
A total of approximately 448,000 Amazons were produced during its seven-year production run.
Variants:
Over the years, several variants of the Amazon were produced, including:
- Estate (station wagon)
- Sedan delivery
- Taxi
- Police car
The Volvo Amazon played a significant role in Volvo's history and was praised for its safety features, reliability, and handling.
