It is a car that made history for Volvo, establishing the brand’s reputation for robustness, safety and performance. It was designed by Jan Wilsgaard, with Italian, British and American influences, resulting in a distinctive look for its time. It has a two-tone paint work and well-placed chrome accents on the bodywork, adding a touch of elegance without excess.
It was presented in the United States as the 122S at the New York International Auto Show in 1959.
This model, with a closed steel body with four doors, was constructed using phosphate (to improve paint adhesion), extensive undercoating, and an anti-corrosion oil treatment.
The P122S, weighing 1,080 kg, with an overall length of approximately 4.45 metres and a wheelbase of 2.60 metres, is equipped with the B16B engine: a 1,582 cm³ (1.6-litre) unit 85 horsepower, twin SU carburettors, rear-wheel drive, and a four-speed fully synchronised manual gearbox with a floor-mounted shifter, contributing to a sportier driving experience. The car could reach a top speed of around 160 km/h, which was an impressive performance for a European sedan of the era.
It has a stable suspension with coil springs and shock absorbers that provide good stability and minimal body roll in corners, and a padded dashboard on the upper section for improved safety.
The P122S made its debut at the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally, demonstrating its robustness and performance capabilities under demanding conditions.
Datasheet Year: 1958 Brand: Volvo Model: P122S Country: Sweden Number plate: MD-32-96 Engine (c.c): 1582 cc Gearbox: 4 Owner: José Jorge Nunes Gouveia