1965 Volvo 121 Amazon Estate (Ruddspeed)
One of the most intriguing sleepers of the 1960s British car scene, the Ruddspeed Amazon estate combined thoroughly practical family transport with genuine performance credentials.
The 121 estate (also designated the 221, or “Combi”) was introduced in 1962, adding a wagon body to Jan Wilsgaard’s clean ponton-style Amazon design.
All factory-built examples were finished with simple, upright lines and a large glass area, deliberately workmanlike, which only heightened the Q-car appeal of the Ruddspeed conversion.
Ken Rudd, based in Worthing and already well-regarded for his work on ACs and Austin-Healeys, turned his attention to the Amazon in the early 1960s.
Working from the 1.8-liter B18 four-cylinder, his conversion involved a higher-compression cylinder head (polished and fitted with larger valves), a new camshaft with increased lift and overlap, stronger valve springs raising the safe rev ceiling to around 6,000 rpm, revised needles for the twin SU carburetors, and a signature tubular exhaust manifold.
Output was quoted at approximately 115 to 120 horsepower, depending on specification. Suspension modifications included lowered springs and Koni dampers, while front disc brakes (standard on the 122S but not on early 121 models) were often fitted to handle the additional pace.
When Autocar tested a Ruddspeed Amazon in period, 0 to 60 mph times fell into the 12-second range, a dramatic improvement over the standard single-carburetor 121. Fewer than 200 Amazons are believed to have received the Ruddspeed treatment in any form, with estate conversions a distinct minority.
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