My Best Upgrades

There are plenty of ways to make even the most usable classic better suited to regular use

Volvo Amazon

THE STORY SO FAR Total mileage 33,500 WRich Cyo isst iigtasnp ehcaisal? created an Amazon that can cope with anything, from everyday local trips to trans-continental tours

RIC COSTIGAN

‘When I was at college a friend ran one of these cars as his everyday transport. I thought it was a wonderful car, but it wasn’t until many years later – 2012 – that I bought one of my own. I ran my 1967 two-door 122S as it was for the fi rst six months, but then decided to embark on a series of improvements to make it more usable in terms of safety, comfort, performance and reliability.

‘The Volvo was restored with new wings and rear wheelarches, and while it was in bits I took the opportunity to swap the original B20 engine for a 2.2-litre unit built for me by the very well-respected FBD Tuning in the Netherlands. As a matter of course they balanced the pistons, conrods, crankshaft and flywheel. With a high-lift D-cam the result is 140bhp, but not that much happens below 3000rpm because it’s quite a hairy camshaft! With a Simonz sports exhaust, M41 gearbox and J-Type overdrive, the Volvo provides a very spirited drive, with things helped by the fact that I’ve retained the original 4.1:1 differential ratio, so while the engine is quite busy at high speeds, it can accelerate quite smartly. ‘I’m not afraid to drive my car with verve and it’s great to see the look on other drivers’ faces when I pass them in my 52-year old Volvo. But even though I’m more than happy to use the revs to get the best out of the engine, it’s easy to get 25mpg, which is pretty good considering its displacement and torque. Best of all it’s completely reliable; I took it to Holland on a ten-day trip and it was comfortable and enormous fun.’

’I’m happy to use the revs to get the best out of the engine, but it’s easy to get 25mpg’