Volvo 120 Series 1965 USA

Introduction: The Volvo 122S Series stands out among popular compact cars with its superior durability, achieving over 25 miles per gallon, even with automatic transmission, and is known for being virtually indestructible. The Volvo 122S is available in both 2-door and 4-door sedan variants, each powered by a 90-horsepower engine, available in both automatic and manual transmissions, and equipped with disc brakes.

Manufacturing Quality: Volvo applies stringent quality standards in the manufacturing of all parts, especially during the final assembly, resulting in a car that lasts nearly twice as long as the average vehicle on American roads. This longevity is even more impressive given that Sweden's climate is harsher, and its roads are more challenging. New features in the current models include:

• A redesigned interior inspired by the 1800S GT coupe.
• Disc brakes on all models.
• Slotted wheels for improved brake cooling.
• Stainless steel hubcaps.
• Galvanized sections in the underbody.

Interior Comfort: The Volvo 122S offers highly adjustable, chair-height bucket seats. A knob adjusts the backrest angle, a lever moves the seat forward or backward, and spacers under the seat allow for changes in height and pitch. The seats feature anatomically designed cushions and backrests that provide substantial support, particularly under the back of the legs. The rear seat is equally comfortable, with a folding armrest dividing it into two sections. Volvo's three-point seat belts are standard in all models, with rear seat belt attachments provided.

Engine Performance: The Volvo 122S is equipped with the B18D engine, praised for its simplicity, reliability, and low fuel consumption. It features:

• A five-bearing crankshaft.
• High-torque capability across a wide range of speeds.
• A 12-volt electrical system with a high-output generator, a powerful one-horsepower starter motor, and a high-capacity thin-plate battery.

Sports Car Graphic Magazine highlighted the engine's durability, noting that it withstood one of the most severe tests ever conducted at the Autolite Test Facility, proving it to be one of the most reliable and unbreakable engines of its time.

Sedan and Station Wagon Features:

• 2-Door and 4-Door Sedans: The 4-door sedan mirrors the comfort of the 2-door model but adds convenience with a grouped instrument panel, an ideally angled steering wheel, easily reachable controls, and a fully synchronized manual transmission. Both models offer an automatic transmission option. The sedans feature Volvo’s robust fresh-air heater and defroster unit, originally designed for Scandinavian winters. The dashboard includes crash padding, padded sun visors, and adjustable windshield wipers for safety and comfort.
• Station Wagon: The 122S Station Wagon offers a large cargo area with a capacity of over six feet in length and nearly four feet in width when the rear seat is folded. The horizontally divided rear door makes loading easy, while the durable interior materials and stiffer rear springs enhance the vehicle's utility. The rear bumper features a rubber-covered step for easy roof access.

Roadability and Handling: Volvo 122S sedans and station wagons are known for their excellent handling and roadability, as proven by Volvo's numerous wins in Sedan races worldwide, including the European Rally Championship. The vehicles feature:

• Independent front wheel suspension with double control arms.
• Stabilizers to minimize body roll.
• A rear axle located laterally by a track rod, contributing to the car's superior road-holding ability.

The cars are also equipped with coil springs all around, telescopic shock absorbers, and front disc brakes with large, well-cooled rear drum brakes. The dashboard is designed with safety in mind, featuring a padded upper surface and softly rounded edges.

Body Construction and Safety: Volvo 122S vehicles are built with an all-welded, integral steel body that is extremely strong and resistant to rust. The car's rounded surfaces add to its strength, with design elements such as galvanized door sills for added durability. During the painting process, the bodies are phosphated for improved paint adhesion, with multiple coats applied for a long-lasting finish. The underbody and wheel housings receive anti-rust treatments, significantly enhancing the car's longevity.

Technical Specifications:

• Engine: B18D, 4-cylinder OHV with a five-bearing crankshaft

  • Capacity: 1.78 liters (109 cubic inches)
  • Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
  • Maximum Output: 90 horsepower (SAE) at 5,000 RPM
  • Maximum Torque: 105 lb-ft at 3,500 RPM
  • Fuel Consumption: Approximately 25 miles per gallon

• Transmission:

  • Manual: M40, four-speed, fully synchronized
    • 1st Gear: 3.13:1
    • 2nd Gear: 1.99:1
    • 3rd Gear: 1.36:1
    • 4th Gear: 1:1
  • Automatic: Type BW-35, fully automatic with a P-R-N-0-L selector
    • Reverse Gear: 3.25:1

• Suspension:

  • Front: Independent with rubber-mounted control arms, ball joints, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, and stabilizers.
  • Rear: Rigid axle with rubber-mounted support arms, track rod, coil springs, and telescopic shock absorbers.
  • Station Wagon: Heavy-duty rear coil springs with auxiliary rubber-bushed springs.

• Brakes:

  • Front: Self-adjusting disc brakes
  • Rear: Large, well-cooled drum brakes (Wagon has vacuum-servo assisted brakes)
  • Handbrake: Mechanically operated on rear wheel drums

• Electrical System:

  • Voltage: 12V
  • Battery Capacity: 60Ah
  • Generator Output: Maximum 360W
  • Starter Motor Output: 1 horsepower

• Body Dimensions and Weights:

  • Overall Length (Sedan): 176 1/4 inches
  • Wheelbase: 102 1/2 inches
  • Track (Front/Rear): 51 1/4 inches / 63 1/4 inches
  • Overall Width: 60 1/2 inches
  • Curb Weight (approx.): 2,360-2,425 lbs (Sedan), 2,640 lbs (Station Wagon)

• Cargo Space (Station Wagon):

  • Length with Rear Seat Up: 46 1/4 inches
  • Length with Rear Seat Down: 72 inches
  • Width: 49 1/2 inches
  • Height: 34 inches
  • Volume with Rear Seat Up: 30 cubic feet
  • Volume with Rear Seat Down: 65 cubic feet

Conclusion: The Volvo 122S Series embodies the Volvo philosophy of quality, durability, and safety. With its robust construction, advanced features, and comprehensive safety measures, it offers a superior driving experience that has made it a leader in its class. Whether you choose the 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, or the versatile station wagon, the Volvo 122S delivers reliability and performance that stand the test of time.

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