1968 Volvo Amazon 123GT
Built for just two years between 1967 and 1968, the Volvo Amazon 123GT represented the sportiest variant of Volvo’s successful 120-Series lineup. This rare two-door sedan was powered by a high-compression B18B four-cylinder engine closely related to the unit used in the P1800 sports car, producing 115 horsepower (SAE gross) compared to the standard Amazon’s 85 horsepower.
This powerplant featured a hotter camshaft profile and revised induction and exhaust systems, enabling the 123GT to achieve a top speed of around 115 mph when paired with its all-synchromesh four-speed manual and electrically operated Laycock de Normanville overdrive transmission.
Special equipment distinguished the 123GT from regular Amazons, including uprated shock absorbers, distinctive wheel trims, auxiliary front fog lamps, a dashboard-mounted tachometer, reclining front seats, and an elegant three-spoke steering wheel. Production numbers remain limited, with approximately 1,500 examples manufactured during its brief production run, many of them exported to the United States.
The 123GT has since gained recognition in historic rallying circles, capitalizing on Volvo’s engineering reputation for durability and reliability. Today, only a small number are believed to remain on UK roads, making the 123GT one of the rarest and most desirable Amazon variants for collectors and vintage motorsport enthusiasts alike.
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