Amazon on my mind.

theguiltyone · Jan 27th, 2020, 22:47

Hi, new member here.
I am not an Amazon owner but that is something I'd love to rectify. If I did go for it, it would be my 1st classic car purchase. With that in mind could I please ask if existing Amazon owners might have any recommendations on what type would be most suitable for weekend keeping it local use with a young family?
The only one I see available at the moment anyway close to my budget is a 1960 122s with a B16 engine. Would a b18 or b20 with overdrive be better to hold out for or do they tend to be much more expensive?
Zero restoration experience so ideally I'd be looking for one thats in good condition ready to roll.
Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Marc

csm22 · Jan 28th, 2020, 12:08

Marc,

I doubt I'm alone in endorsing your choice of classic car.

While the benefits of the larger B20 are indisputable, I think you'd find that a B18 would probably meet your needs... besides having more power, the B18 is a bit more robust of a design than the B16. The M41 overdrive is also highly desirable, but not necessary... depends on how much highway driving you expect to do. Otherwise, the M40 manual should be fine for most driving.

That said, I was in your position five years ago when I first waded into the vintage Volvo world, and have enjoyed every moment. Great cars with a great community of enthusiasts out there to support, useful online forums and a pretty decent supply chain. If you have any inclination to turn your own wrenches, they're also pretty satisfying to work on, especially if you're willing to learn new things.

Did I mention that they're fun to drive, and that they're pretty cool cars that everybody loves to look at?

Come on in, the water's fine...

Cheers,

Chris

Ron Kwas · Jan 28th, 2020, 13:11

Marc;

Welcome to this forum!

I think Chris covers it well, including noting the attitude of most here...I think you'll find every owner, and moreso selfwrenching owners (who appreciate the quality of engineering, design, and materials, even more!) very much enjoy (love!?) their vintage Swedish iron! I'll just add that the later (B18 / front disc brakes) equipped vehicles are much more common and so may be a bit simpler to get replacement parts for (used from donor cars) or even new.

Cheers from Connecticut!

Burdekin · Jan 28th, 2020, 13:26

They're a very well built and designed classic and a joy to drive. I would highly recommend getting someone who knows either these or classics to view any car you're thinking of buying. Rust and past dodgy repairs are the main issue to look out for. Parts are still common but have gone up quite a bit.

The Facebook Amazon group is possibly another place to ask regarding any good cars about. If the car has been repaired and most will have, ask if they have photos of what was done. Not trying to scare you, just don't buy an overpriced dud and you'll be a very happy owner.

theguiltyone · Jan 28th, 2020, 15:30

Thanks for the input and comments, much appreciated.
OK I'll stop daydreaming for the B16 available now (damn impulsive character flaw) and hold out for a B18. I would like to learn the ways of the wrench so finding something with better longevity of spare parts is good advice.

Thanks again
Marc

old fart · Jan 28th, 2020, 23:14

There's a nice looking white one in Aylesbury, on e-bay ( nothing to do with me).

theguiltyone · Jan 28th, 2020, 23:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by old fart

There's a nice looking white one in Aylesbury, on e-bay ( nothing to do with me).

Saw that one, thanks.
Price is more than I'd like to spend when the white would have to go.

theguiltyone · Jan 29th, 2020, 21:32

30 posts before I can PM anyone direct so apologies for the generic question. Prices for Amazons seem to have gone up a lot in recent years, is a ballpark price of £10k-£12k what I'm potentially looking at for a decent restored b18 or is that top end?
Thanks

Dibble · Jan 29th, 2020, 21:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by theguiltyone

30 posts before I can PM anyone direct so apologies for the generic question. Prices for Amazons seem to have gone up a lot in recent years, is a ballpark price of £10k-£12k what I'm potentially looking at for a decent restored b18 or is that top end?
Thanks

I would think you should get a reasonable one for that money. Some are reaching £15K. I believe they are going up in value. Get in there now!

theguiltyone · Jan 29th, 2020, 22:15

Going up like they are on viagra!
A forum member is selling this one:
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1114175

Seems to have most bases covered but would love to hear some opinions.

Thanks again

Jan 27th, 2020, 22:47	#1
theguiltyone New Member Last Online: Feb 2nd, 2020 11:42 Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Wivenhoe	Amazon on my mind. Hi, new member here. I am not an Amazon owner but that is something I'd love to rectify. If I did go for it, it would be my 1st classic car purchase. With that in mind could I please ask if existing Amazon owners might have any recommendations on what type would be most suitable for weekend keeping it local use with a young family? The only one I see available at the moment anyway close to my budget is a 1960 122s with a B16 engine. Would a b18 or b20 with overdrive be better to hold out for or do they tend to be much more expensive? Zero restoration experience so ideally I'd be looking for one thats in good condition ready to roll. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks Marc

Jan 28th, 2020, 13:26	#4
Burdekin Chief Bodger Last Online: Yesterday 17:46 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Aberdeen	They're a very well built and designed classic and a joy to drive. I would highly recommend getting someone who knows either these or classics to view any car you're thinking of buying. Rust and past dodgy repairs are the main issue to look out for. Parts are still common but have gone up quite a bit. The Facebook Amazon group is possibly another place to ask regarding any good cars about. If the car has been repaired and most will have, ask if they have photos of what was done. Not trying to scare you, just don't buy an overpriced dud and you'll be a very happy owner. __________________ One day I will get rid of all of the rust.

Jan 28th, 2020, 12:08	#2
csm22 Junior Member Last Online: Apr 16th, 2024 20:33 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Xenia View Photos By: csm22	Marc, I doubt I'm alone in endorsing your choice of classic car. While the benefits of the larger B20 are indisputable, I think you'd find that a B18 would probably meet your needs... besides having more power, the B18 is a bit more robust of a design than the B16. The M41 overdrive is also highly desirable, but not necessary... depends on how much highway driving you expect to do. Otherwise, the M40 manual should be fine for most driving. That said, I was in your position five years ago when I first waded into the vintage Volvo world, and have enjoyed every moment. Great cars with a great community of enthusiasts out there to support, useful online forums and a pretty decent supply chain. If you have any inclination to turn your own wrenches, they're also pretty satisfying to work on, especially if you're willing to learn new things. Did I mention that they're fun to drive, and that they're pretty cool cars that everybody loves to look at? Come on in, the water's fine... Cheers, Chris

Jan 28th, 2020, 13:11	#3
Ron Kwas Premier Member Last Online: Today 00:11 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Connecticut, USA	Marc; Welcome to this forum! I think Chris covers it well, including noting the attitude of most here...I think you'll find every owner, and moreso selfwrenching owners (who appreciate the quality of engineering, design, and materials, even more!) very much enjoy (love!?) their vintage Swedish iron! I'll just add that the later (B18 / front disc brakes) equipped vehicles are much more common and so may be a bit simpler to get replacement parts for (used from donor cars) or even new. Cheers from Connecticut!

Jan 28th, 2020, 15:30	#5
theguiltyone New Member Last Online: Feb 2nd, 2020 11:42 Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Wivenhoe	Thanks for the input and comments, much appreciated. OK I'll stop daydreaming for the B16 available now (damn impulsive character flaw) and hold out for a B18. I would like to learn the ways of the wrench so finding something with better longevity of spare parts is good advice. Thanks again Marc

Jan 28th, 2020, 23:14	#6
old fart Master Member Last Online: Mar 28th, 2024 14:15 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Droitwich	There's a nice looking white one in Aylesbury, on e-bay ( nothing to do with me).

Jan 29th, 2020, 21:32	#8
theguiltyone New Member Last Online: Feb 2nd, 2020 11:42 Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Wivenhoe	30 posts before I can PM anyone direct so apologies for the generic question. Prices for Amazons seem to have gone up a lot in recent years, is a ballpark price of £10k-£12k what I'm potentially looking at for a decent restored b18 or is that top end? Thanks

Jan 29th, 2020, 22:15	#10
theguiltyone New Member Last Online: Feb 2nd, 2020 11:42 Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Wivenhoe	Going up like they are on viagra! A forum member is selling this one: https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1114175 Seems to have most bases covered but would love to hear some opinions. Thanks again

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