PUTTING A PERSONAL SPIN ON A VINTAGE VOLVO
STORY | Evan Griffey
PHOTOGRAPHY | Hunter Courtin
The Volvo Amazon is one of those cult classics that’s not a top-of-mind car but elicits a genuine reaction when spotted in the wild. They are cool, capable, and a willing build partner. Lower the stance, swap on some trick wheels, and the Amazon transforms from basic utilitarian transportation to fun-loving custom cruiser.
Owner Radley Angelo plugs into the restomod vibe with his 1968 Volvo P220 Amazon Estate. The ’68 represents the sweet spot of Amazon production, which spanned from 1956 to 1970. Radley’s ride features the later, bigger version of Volvo’s B-Series inline four, the B20, which displaces 1,986cc and generates a paltry 90 horsepower.
Destiny played a major role in this saga. “My earliest automobile memories were all with Volvo wagons,” says Radley, “and I’ve always been attracted to their elegant design and honest nature. This is the seventh Volvo wagon my family has owned, so I guess you could say they run in the family. The Amazon is a really timeless design, especially in wagon form. They were small family cars that were usually driven into the ground so finding one in this condition and aiming for a more restomod curb appeal has been a lot of fun. Most people don’t equate ‘wagon’ and ‘cool,’ but I can’t tell you how many people leave notes, want to have a conversation about the car, or share their own Volvo wagon story. It’s an emotional car.”
The Volvo was restored by piecing together two separate wagons. This melding of metal was performed in Southern California, where Radley bought the car in March 2020 before moving to Seattle the following January. “I had been on the hunt for a classic for a while but, as soon as I saw it, I was sold. It needed some mechanical work, but the previous owner had done an incredible job of tastefully modifying the right aesthetic bits to create a one-of-a-kind vehicle. I knew there were other cars I could buy, but I felt this Swede was truly something special.”
Mechanically, Radley set off to create a more modern driving experience without losing the car’s vintage aura. He checked over the B20 powerplant, tuned its dual Stromberg carbs, and bolted on a Borla exhaust system to free up the flow and add a little audible excitement. He’s quick to point out the two most impactful updates are the suspension and transmission. The Estate’s handling was improved with front and rear IPD sway bars, high-performance Bilstein shocks, and a lowering kit featuring progressive-rate sport springs from Swedish car specialist Skandix. Perhaps the most transformational mod was swapping the car’s original lethargic Borg Warner BW35 three-speed automatic transmission for a period-correct Volvo M41 four-speed manual. Having full control of the powerband via the third pedal will dramatically improve the performance of any car.
Add on the car’s newfound contact patch, compliments of 205/60-15 Kumho Solus tires, and you’re on to something. The Kumhos aren’t the stickiest compound, but we should remember where the car started tire-wise in 1968. We also can’t help but love how the Halibrand-inspired American Racing wheels keep the old Volvo in its era. “This car was never designed to work the apex on a track and it’s definitely no rocket ship,” says Radley. “But I don’t think I’ve ever had a bigger smile on my face than when I’m hustling the power-challenged red-block four-cylinder around a backroad. There is absolutely nothing disconnecting you from the driving experience—no brake boosters, power steering, or even EFI. The car is just so engaging to put through its paces, as limited as they are. The mild exhaust upgrade combined with the intake noises from the carbs just a few inches in front of the firewall are totally giggle inducing, and people always assume the car has more power than it does. I’ve always believed that it’s better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow and this wagon is the perfect embodiment of that mindset.”
Along with the rotisserie repaint in a Fiat factory blue from the 1970s, the Volvo features a red interior (seats and door cards) and a modern sound system powered by a 1,000-watt amp and a thumpin’ subwoofer. Radley says the cabin’s old country ambiance helps set the mood for Volvo’s unique driving experience. “I love the road presence this car has, and I love that the driving characteristics harken back to a simpler time on the road. With its huge bus-sized steering wheel, it feels like I’m navigating a ship on the open ocean, but the sway bars and modern tires really do make you want to test the limits on a twisty road. It’s impossible to drive this car and not get a reaction from other motorists which also adds to its charm.”
Radley’s Amazon brings the charm big-time and we know all about the cool factor that station wagons carry with them everywhere they go. Amazons are cult classics and Radley has done well showcasing his as a fully legitimate take on the Swedish wagon.