The Volvo PV445 Duett had launched the spacious and safe Swedish family estate in 1953, followed by the Volvo P220 Amazon in 1962. Drawn by designer Jan Wilsgaard, who had already designed the Amazon saloon, the external dimensions of the estate version did not differ from those of the saloon, despite the generous luggage compartment.
An estate lettering at the rear of the P220 was deliberately omitted. A practical estate car with the comfort features of a saloon was something that families, leisure sports enthusiasts and commercial customers had to get used to at the time. In early advertisements, a comparison was made with the exclusive "Herrgårdsvagn" (Herrenhof wagon), while the first German press release spoke of the "Stationwagen".
From utility van to sophisticated comfort station wagon
In fact, the new Volvo P220 Amazon was different from classic estate cars. It also clearly differentiated itself from the Volvo Duett offered at the same time, which primarily functioned as a transporter with its robust chassis. In contrast, the P220 was in no way inferior to the four-door saloon in terms of comfort, driving dynamics and safety, while its modified rear suspension enabled a low and flat luggage compartment floor. The load compartment of the Amazon estate, which was only 4.49 meters long, had a capacity of up to 1,850 liters for suitcases and leisure equipment and could carry a payload of 490 kilograms. The variable rear compartment of this versatile model was even suitable for spontaneous overnight stays, as it offered 2.25 m² of sleeping space.
A clever feature: the lower part of the separate tailgate could be opened horizontally and thus used as a practical picnic table when traveling - or useful for transporting extra-long items that did not fit completely in the luggage compartment. A large roof rack was also available as an option.
Safety First: New safety standards for the estate car segment
The Volvo P220 Amazon was the first estate car in the world to feature three-point seat belts as standard. Anchoring points for rear seat belts were also standard. The child seat was also offered for the first time in the Volvo P220 Amazon. Other features included a steering column that split in the event of a frontal collision, accident-proof doors thanks to special door lock pillars, an innovative dual-circuit braking system (including front disc brakes from 1964) with a warning light in the event of a malfunction and a padded dashboard. The Volvo also had rear-view mirrors on the front fenders for an unrestricted view to the rear, even when the luggage compartment was loaded to roof height.
In order to withstand corrosion for as long as possible, the Volvo P220 Amazon was given revolutionary and effective rust protection by galvanizing all vulnerable components in a hot bath. A measure that prevented the premature collapse of body parts in the event of accidents.
Exemplary long-distance runner
The engine range of the Volvo Amazon P220 with 1.8 and 2.0 liter four-cylinder engines (types B18 and B20) was also designed for durability and economy. This was reflected not only in sensationally low fuel consumption values and the first exhaust gas purification system for the US market, but also in unique mileages. For example, there was a Volvo 1800 S with the legendary B18 drive that ran 4.8 million kilometers.
The appealing vehicle design and variability kept the Volvo P220 Amazon young even after the launch of its successor, the Volvo 145 estate, which was introduced in 1967. On October 15, 1969, the 73,220th and final Volvo P220 Amazon finally rolled off the production line and was immediately given a place of honor in the Volvo Museum. After all, this Volvo initiated the safe family estate that the Swedish manufacturer still produces today in the form of the V60 and V90 models.
