This 1962 Volvo 122S was acquired by the seller two years ago out of Orange County, California from its previous longterm owners. The car is believed to have been in Southern California since new and is equipped with a 2.0-liter B20 inline-four and a 4-speed manual M-40 transmission. The seller has spent around $15k on refurbishment during his ownership, including a refreshed and modified suspension, re-upholstered interior, new dash and windshield, Panasport wheels, and more. The car is now being offered for sale with a spare B18 engine, original steel wheels and hubcaps, new front vent window seals, original jack and some tools, a VP under dash upholstery kit, the original chrome front bumper over rider bar and hardware, records back to 2011, and a clean California title.
Originally finished in Mist Green (#73), the exterior received a single-stage repaint in a different shade of green approximately 30 years ago. Some aging and patina is noted in the finish, with areas of discoloration and blemishes evident. A nickel-sized rust perforation on the trunk floor is reported along with some dings on the rear bumper. Reproduction overdrive badging was attached to the trunk panel, as the seller had intended to swap the M-40 with an M-41 overdrive gearbox.
VTO Panasport alloys were fitted by the seller along with reproduction V-logo center caps and Michelin tires. Five date-stamped steel wheels with stock trim rings and hubcaps are included and shown in the gallery. Volvo H4 headlights and new rear taillight lenses were added. A new windshield, front and rear windshield seals, and rear quarter window seals were fitted six months ago, and front vent window seals are included in the sale.
Front and rear seats were reupholstered in leather with reportedly correct patterns and new door panels were installed. Volvo-branded all-weather floor mats protect rubber flooring sourced from VP Autoparts of Sweden. Lap-belts for the rear seats are included in the sale but uninstalled.
The seller added a new dashpad and a below-dash switch for an electric fan. The parcel shelf was refurbished with powder coating and new coarse-grain vinyl as depicted in the gallery. According to the seller, the left rear door does not lock and the heater fan is noisy. 35k miles are indicated on the odometer with actual mileage unknown.
A prior owner installed the 2.0L B20 inline-four, which is equipped with dual SU carburetors, a restored brass radiator, and rebuilt heater box. A new fuse box, clutch master cylinder, and Bosch battery have also been fitted. Several thousand dollars worth of included receipts document work performed by an LA-based Porsche mechanic prior to the seller’s ownership. Approximately 2,600 miles have been added in the last two years, and the seller notes several 300+ mile round trips to Los Angeles with no issues.
Newer brakes are equipped with flex hoses. A previous leak in the differential was reportedly fixed with a new seal but left a stain above the housing. Suspension work performed by Bear Brake and Frame in Glendora, California included:
- New suspension bushings and hardware
- 3/4” front sway bar
- Progressive front and linear rear V-Performance lowering springs
- Front Bilstein shocks
- Re-valved rear Bilstein shocks
- New upper and lower ball joints
- New limiting straps
- Four wheel alignment
A driving video has been provided by the seller and is viewable above.
Photo Gallery
