Early 123GT featuring an AGA TECH LPG system, EZ Power Steering, extensive history, and desirable GT-specific details.
This Volvo 123GT is believed to be one of the early production examples of the model and carries a DET date of June 30, 1966, although the 123GT was officially introduced as a 1967 model year vehicle. The car has remained with the same owner since 2003 and has spent many years doing exactly what a classic Volvo was built for: driving. Summer and winter, across Europe, reliably and without drama.
This 123GT combines the rugged honesty of a classic Volvo with features that quickly become appreciated on long journeys. The modern AGA TECH LPG system significantly reduces operating costs, while the EZ Power Steering electric power steering noticeably improves driving comfort. Together with the B18B engine, twin SU carburetors, and Laycock overdrive, the result is a touring car that preserves the spirit of the 1960s while being considerably more relaxed to drive than many of its contemporaries.
At the same time, the car is being offered with complete transparency. The engine still exhibits a knocking noise, believed to be caused by play in a piston pin, and the bodywork also requires attention. As such, this is not a fully restored showpiece but rather an honest and complete 123GT for an enthusiast who wishes to preserve and revive an early GT.
The Volvo Amazon is undoubtedly one of the most significant European mid-size cars of the 1960s. Designed under the direction of Jan Wilsgaard, the model combined Scandinavian durability with surprisingly elegant styling. While many contemporaries have disappeared due to corrosion or heavy use, the Amazon has become synonymous with mechanical robustness and enjoys a loyal enthusiast following.
The 123GT represented the sporting flagship of the range. According to various sources, the model was developed in response to growing demand for compact sporting sedans that combined everyday practicality with long-distance capability. The GT paired the powerful B18B engine with twin SU carburetors, sporting trim details, additional instrumentation, and the highly desirable Laycock de Normanville overdrive. The result was a car that did not demand attention through noise but impressed through speed and composure.
The early production years are particularly attractive to collectors today. Many examples were heavily used, modified, or succumbed to corrosion. An early 1966 example with long-term ownership and extensive documentation therefore represents an appealing basis for restoration or preservation.
Today, this Volvo presents itself as an honest vehicle showing visible signs of use and age. After circumstances forced the car to remain outdoors for two years, the owner reports that the bodywork has visibly suffered from exposure to the elements. However, the foundation is described as solid, although bodywork and repainting should be expected.
The car features numerous characterful details, including original 123GT wheels with hubcaps, chrome headlamp visors, Grandulux rear-window trim, and two Hella auxiliary driving lamps along with a spare unit. In addition, aluminum inner fender liners have been installed in the front wheel arches, providing practical additional corrosion protection.
The interior has been professionally upholstered in burgundy leather, giving the vehicle a warm and almost grand touring atmosphere. The combination of the classic Volvo dashboard and high-quality leather works exceptionally well with the character of the 123GT.
Additional comfort features include front and rear seat belts, a tinted windshield, heated rear window, and the powerful Swedish heating system, which according to the owner provided many years of comfortable winter travel throughout Europe.
Under the hood is the well-known Volvo B18B engine equipped with twin SU carburetors and Laycock overdrive. As part of a planned comprehensive refurbishment, numerous mechanical improvements have already been completed.
The crankshaft was polished, new crankshaft and camshaft bearings were installed, and the cylinder head was rebuilt with new valves, valve springs, valve stem seals, and resurfacing work. In addition, a new oil pump, water pump, temperature sender, drive belt, ignition wires, spark plugs, and various seals have been replaced.
The fuel and cooling systems also received significant attention. The fuel tank was cleaned and sealed internally, while both LPG and gasoline fuel lines were renewed. Furthermore, the vehicle was fitted with a modern AGA TECH LPG conversion system. Driving comfort is significantly enhanced by the EZ Power Steering electric power steering system, which integrates harmoniously with the vehicle's character. Additional upgrades include a 50-amp alternator, electronic ignition, an auxiliary electric cooling fan, and a high-capacity Wilco battery.
Despite the extensive work carried out, the engine noise remains present. According to the owner, it is likely caused by piston pin play. The vehicle is therefore explicitly offered as a project requiring further mechanical attention.
The Volvo has remained with the same owner since 2003 and was used throughout that period as a touring and travel car for journeys across Europe. The story of this vehicle is therefore not only about technical specifications or rarity, but above all about long-term use and genuine attachment.
That is precisely what makes this 123GT so appealing. It is not a static collector's piece but a classic Volvo that spent many years doing exactly what it was designed to do.
The vehicle comes with a complete maintenance history dating back to 2003. In addition, the most recent refurbishment work is extensively documented.
This Volvo 123GT represents an early, honest, and technically interesting restoration candidate with a tangible history. The combination of long-term ownership, extensive documentation, rare GT specifications, and thoughtful upgrades makes this vehicle particularly attractive to enthusiasts of early 123GT models.
The modern AGA TECH LPG system and EZ Power Steering electric power steering add an additional dimension to the car: they transform this classic Volvo from a collector's item into a capable long-distance companion. This is not a turn-key classic—and perhaps that is precisely where its appeal lies. For someone willing to invest time, patience, and craftsmanship, it offers the opportunity to bring a characterful Volvo back to life—a vehicle that faithfully served for decades and now appears ready for its next chapter.
There are cars that you own—and there are cars that you live with. This Volvo clearly belongs in the latter category. Between the lines, you can sense how this 123GT became part of years of road trips, winter journeys, and European adventures. The combination of classic Amazon engineering, overdrive, LPG conversion, and modern power steering reflects an owner who wanted to experience the car rather than preserve it as a static object.
Perhaps that is the true strength of an old Volvo: not to impress on a concours lawn, but to quietly earn a permanent place in the lives of its owners.
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