Amazon purchase dilemma

omc 47 · Apr 22nd, 2013, 17:25

Hi all,
I have been reading with interest many of your stories and tips on Amazon ownership and find it all an inspiring read and indeed give credit to many of you.
Back when my daughters were small in the 1970's I stepped away from Zephyr 6 Mk2's and went for a 63 Amazon saloon and after returning every year for faultless MOT renewals I went on to a 67 Amazon Estate with similar good fortune at MOT time.
This car stayed with me & the family until I upgraded to a 245 which went with the wife when she decided to go for a younger model........that's man.... not car.
Anyway years have gone by and I have been heavily involved in TR's BUT I am still running a Volvo 940 Wentworth and no-one will ever make me part from my reliable workhorse.
I now have a hankering to go back to an Amazon and would welcome useful info on what's around and what not to buy.
Iv'e already trudged a round trip OF 300 miles with a trailer to look at a 131 that was not going anywhere fast and am happy to pay £3000 ish for a travelling restoration which is basically sound.
Is the B20 better than the B18? how do floor pans stand up to time?
I'm keen on a red 131 but that's more my wife's input.........yes I got married again and she's with me on a purchase.....what do you think guys?

OMC

Eagerbeaver · Apr 24th, 2013, 07:08

I'm pleased to hear you found love again and it's a good idea getting your wife involved in the purchase.

Sorry, I can't help on the subject of the car though.

classicswede · Apr 24th, 2013, 09:55

The main thing as with most old cars is buy on body condition. Mechanical stuff is easy to work on and there is very good parts support out there.

The very early B16 cars do have some rare parts that can be very hard to find but can be replaced with bits from teh later models. Engine parts for teh B16 are not so redily available.

B18/20 are very much the same engine other than bore size and technical changes. If you wanted the go of a B20 then you can either bore out a B18 or swap in a B20.

The most modern to drive amazon is the late model 69/70 car that have improved brakes best axle mounting and B20 factory fitted. On teh down side(?) they are 2 door only.

omc 47 · Apr 25th, 2013, 08:04

Thanks for the replies gents, classicswede I value your advice and didn't realise the later ones were 2 door only.
This is not a problem and in fact I would probably prefer the later model with decent metal.
As you say mechanics are not a serious issue with any classic and Volvo seem to have been more than supportive over the years with their parts supply.
So the search goes on..............

222s · Apr 25th, 2013, 10:11

Best of luck with your search! In case you haven't already seen it, here's some useful reading for checking out any potential purchase: Amazon buyers guide

Quote:

Originally Posted by classicswede

The main thing as with most old cars is buy on body condition. Mechanical stuff is easy to work on and there is very good parts support out there.

Fully agree. Some of the parts aren't cheap (e.g. full interior trim kit), but still cheaper & easier than sorting out a rotten bodyshell.

jamie · May 14th, 2013, 15:17

There is a difference in the drive of a B20 and the B18 and it is a personal choice. the B18 is smoother and was its original design, but in the drive for power it went to B20 which is good on power, but do look for overdrive. Motorways are a nightmare without overdrive. Yo can go the whole hog and go to KG Trimning and put some enormous engine under the bonnet with good knows what bhp. ie the skies the limit, all you need perhaps is a nice B20 with twin SUs and a good sports exhaust in order not to choke the engine and you should be as happy as the proverbial!!
Good luck and keep asking if you need to know.

classicswede · May 14th, 2013, 18:41

I've always found B20's smoother than B18's and much more lazy for gear changes.

Late model B20 131's are higher geared and do not need overdrive but it does not do any harm to have one.

jamie · May 14th, 2013, 23:06

Mixed messages, as I said, it is personal taste, so do get out there and drive a few and get a feel for yourself.

markymar93 · May 16th, 2013, 13:23

Hi. I may have something of interest. If interested, email me and I will send some pics. markmason_123@yahoo.co.uk not guranteeing anything but I am thinking about selling an amazon I have. Many thanks

Apr 22nd, 2013, 17:25	#1
omc 47 VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 07:31 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Worcestershire	Amazon purchase dilemma Hi all, I have been reading with interest many of your stories and tips on Amazon ownership and find it all an inspiring read and indeed give credit to many of you. Back when my daughters were small in the 1970's I stepped away from Zephyr 6 Mk2's and went for a 63 Amazon saloon and after returning every year for faultless MOT renewals I went on to a 67 Amazon Estate with similar good fortune at MOT time. This car stayed with me & the family until I upgraded to a 245 which went with the wife when she decided to go for a younger model........that's man.... not car. Anyway years have gone by and I have been heavily involved in TR's BUT I am still running a Volvo 940 Wentworth and no-one will ever make me part from my reliable workhorse. I now have a hankering to go back to an Amazon and would welcome useful info on what's around and what not to buy. Iv'e already trudged a round trip OF 300 miles with a trailer to look at a 131 that was not going anywhere fast and am happy to pay £3000 ish for a travelling restoration which is basically sound. Is the B20 better than the B18? how do floor pans stand up to time? I'm keen on a red 131 but that's more my wife's input.........yes I got married again and she's with me on a purchase.....what do you think guys? OMC Last edited by omc 47; Apr 22nd, 2013 at 17:27.

Apr 24th, 2013, 09:55	#3
classicswede Trader Volvo in my veins Last Online: Today 00:50 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Anglesey	The main thing as with most old cars is buy on body condition. Mechanical stuff is easy to work on and there is very good parts support out there. The very early B16 cars do have some rare parts that can be very hard to find but can be replaced with bits from teh later models. Engine parts for teh B16 are not so redily available. B18/20 are very much the same engine other than bore size and technical changes. If you wanted the go of a B20 then you can either bore out a B18 or swap in a B20. The most modern to drive amazon is the late model 69/70 car that have improved brakes best axle mounting and B20 factory fitted. On teh down side(?) they are 2 door only. __________________ http://www.classicswede.org www.classicswede.co.uk

May 14th, 2013, 18:41	#7
classicswede Trader Volvo in my veins Last Online: Today 00:50 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Anglesey	I've always found B20's smoother than B18's and much more lazy for gear changes. Late model B20 131's are higher geared and do not need overdrive but it does not do any harm to have one. __________________ http://www.classicswede.org www.classicswede.co.uk

Apr 24th, 2013, 07:08	#2
Eagerbeaver Member Last Online: Dec 30th, 2018 21:32 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Preston	I'm pleased to hear you found love again and it's a good idea getting your wife involved in the purchase. Sorry, I can't help on the subject of the car though.

Apr 25th, 2013, 08:04	#4
omc 47 VOC Member Last Online: Yesterday 07:31 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Worcestershire	Thanks for the replies gents, classicswede I value your advice and didn't realise the later ones were 2 door only. This is not a problem and in fact I would probably prefer the later model with decent metal. As you say mechanics are not a serious issue with any classic and Volvo seem to have been more than supportive over the years with their parts supply. So the search goes on..............

May 14th, 2013, 15:17	#6
jamie amazon1954 Last Online: Mar 10th, 2021 20:19 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Bath	There is a difference in the drive of a B20 and the B18 and it is a personal choice. the B18 is smoother and was its original design, but in the drive for power it went to B20 which is good on power, but do look for overdrive. Motorways are a nightmare without overdrive. Yo can go the whole hog and go to KG Trimning and put some enormous engine under the bonnet with good knows what bhp. ie the skies the limit, all you need perhaps is a nice B20 with twin SUs and a good sports exhaust in order not to choke the engine and you should be as happy as the proverbial!! Good luck and keep asking if you need to know.

May 14th, 2013, 23:06	#8
jamie amazon1954 Last Online: Mar 10th, 2021 20:19 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Bath	Mixed messages, as I said, it is personal taste, so do get out there and drive a few and get a feel for yourself.

May 16th, 2013, 13:23	#9
markymar93 Senior Member Last Online: Mar 14th, 2024 08:49 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: worthing	Hi. I may have something of interest. If interested, email me and I will send some pics. markmason_123@yahoo.co.uk not guranteeing anything but I am thinking about selling an amazon I have. Many thanks

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