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So What's the Big Idea?

Progress has been slow of late on Project Volvo. There have been a number of contributory factors; work, life, other projects.... However, my lack of posting should not be interpreted as a complete lack of momentum. There have been some developments, with the vehicle and with my thinking.

When I started this venture, I never imagined that I would be looking for a show quality restoration, I wanted a usable car. What I was not so sure about was the 'focus' of the build; I have now made the decision to aim for a competition car.

Volvo 120 Sprint Hill Climb
Volvo Amazon, Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb - 2017


This idea has been under consideration for quite some time. I have a close friend who competes in hill climbs and sprints in his 1967 4 door Amazon and I have attended numerous events with him. Through this we have become friends with a number of other Volvo owners who compete in the Volvo Owners Club Motorsport Challenge.


Volvo Amazon Crystal Palace
'67 Amazon, Crystal Palace - 2015


At first I was happy to just string along and document their exploits, but then in the summer of 2015 I had the chance to ride shotgun and then actually drive my friend's car on Prescott hill, at the Bugatti Owners Club Summer Picnic. 


Volvo Sprint Car


Even though this was not a competitive drive, I found it to be a huge adrenaline rush and driving an amazon again after so many years was a real buzz. It was at this point I began to think seriously about my car and what it would be like to drive it again.

A year later I found myself at Goodwood Motor Circuit, driving a Porsche Carrera and later a Lotus Elan on a 'experience day, (a gift from my work colleagues - thanks guys and girls). It was great and I can thoroughly recommend having a go if the opportunity presents itself.


Porsche Carrera Goodwood
Porsche Carrera, Goodwood Motor Circuit - 2016

Lotus Volvo Project Goodwood
Lotus Elan, Goodwood Motor Circuit - 2016


I did come away a little frustrated though as with only 3 laps in each car, you have to stop just at the point where you feel you are getting the hang of it. On the way home I couldn't help thinking 'wouldn't it be great to do that in my amazon'... Maybe a competition build was the way to go.

Since this point I have been reflecting and researching the pros and cons and I have concluded that a competition car makes perfect sense. For instance:

  • The car's condition and history suggests that it is never going to be a show stopping 'original' example
  • If and when I finish building this car, I want to drive it - and following the Prescott experience I want to drive it quickly, preferably up a hill
  • The interior of my car is in very poor condition and expensive to replace - competition cars don't need new rubber floor mats, re-upholstered seats, boot cards, etc.  I would rather spend the cash on a roll cage and some competition bucket seats. 
  • No need to worry unduly about originality - Details such as wing badges, genuine Volvo whatever... all that (pricey) stuff that a purist might demand of a show car; not important.
  • A competition car has a personal dimension. It will be not just a 1970 Volvo P130, it will be very definitely my car.

Of course all this rationalisation and justification may not be entirely sound, but who cares. Its my car, my money, and that's what I want to do.

This summer I have been tinkering again. I have cleaned up the rear floor pan (looks fine) and treated it with Fertan rust converter/treatment.  I have also stripped the car of its doors, bonnet, heater, brake servo, master cylinder... I'm moving in the right direction, but its going to be a long stretch to the finish line.


Prescott Amazon



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