1968 Volvo 123 GT – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021
In 1968, Volvo offered a car that combined rally credibility with everyday usability: the Volvo 123 GT. Based on the Amazon platform, it paired the durable B18 engine with performance-oriented equipment and distinctive trim. The result was a Swedish sports sedan that emphasized engineering substance over spectacle.
Technical Details
The 1968 Volvo 123 GT was powered by Volvo’s B18B inline four-cylinder engine, displacing 1,778 cc. Equipped with twin SU carburetors, the B18B produced approximately 96 horsepower (DIN rating), depending on market specification. The engine was water-cooled and known for its robust construction, with a five-bearing crankshaft and conservative tuning that supported durability at sustained higher engine speeds.
Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox, typically combined with electrically operated Laycock de Normanville overdrive on fourth gear. This effectively provided a fifth cruising ratio, improving highway efficiency and reducing engine wear. The drivetrain followed a classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration.
Suspension consisted of independent front suspension with coil springs and double wishbones, while the rear employed a live axle with trailing arms and coil springs, located by a Panhard rod. Disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear were standard, reflecting Volvo’s emphasis on braking performance and safety. The 123 GT also featured a tachometer and auxiliary instrumentation as standard equipment, reinforcing its sporting orientation within the Amazon range.
- Manufacturer: Volvo Cars
- Model Name: Volvo 123 GT (Volvo Amazon 123 GT)
- Year of Manufacturing: 1967–1970
Design
The Volvo 123 GT was based on the two-door version of the Amazon (internally designated 121/122/123 series), retaining the model’s characteristic curved roofline and clean body surfaces. By 1968, the Amazon’s design was already well established, but the GT variant introduced distinctive visual details.
Externally, the 123 GT featured additional driving lamps integrated into the grille area, GT badging, and specific trim elements that differentiated it from standard Amazon models. Steel wheels with decorative trim rings or optional sport wheels completed the understated but purposeful look.
Inside, the 123 GT stood out more clearly. A wood-rim steering wheel, tachometer mounted ahead of the driver, auxiliary gauges, and sportier upholstery gave the cabin a performance-oriented character. The dashboard layout remained functional and clearly arranged, consistent with Volvo’s design philosophy. The overall impression was restrained but focused, aligning with the car’s dual role as a practical sedan and a capable touring machine.
Historical Significance
The Volvo 123 GT emerged at a time when Volvo was expanding its international reputation, particularly in rally competition. The Amazon platform had already proven competitive in international motorsport, including success in European rallies during the early 1960s. The 123 GT built on that foundation by offering performance-oriented equipment directly from the factory.
Positioned above standard Amazon variants, the 123 GT appealed to buyers who wanted stronger performance without sacrificing everyday reliability. The B18 engine’s durability became central to Volvo’s global reputation, especially in North America and Europe.
The 123 GT also foreshadowed Volvo’s later strategy of offering sportier derivatives within otherwise conservative model ranges. While production numbers were relatively modest compared to standard Amazons, the GT variant became an important link between Volvo’s rally heritage and its road-car identity.
Quirks and Pop Culture
The 123 GT’s combination of auxiliary driving lights and twin-carburetor engine reinforced its association with Scandinavian rally culture. In period photographs and promotional materials, the model was often presented in wintry or rugged settings, underlining its durability and traction.
Unlike more flamboyant sports sedans of the late 1960s, the 123 GT relied on mechanical credibility rather than bold styling. This understated approach contributed to its later appeal among enthusiasts, who value the car for its authenticity and engineering integrity. In classic Volvo circles, the 123 GT is regarded as one of the most desirable Amazon variants due to its specific equipment and limited production.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.
Conclusion
The 1968 Volvo 123 GT represents a focused evolution of the Amazon platform, combining the durable B18B engine with factory-installed performance features. Its rear-wheel-drive layout, overdrive-equipped gearbox, and upgraded instrumentation distinguished it within Volvo’s lineup. Visually restrained yet technically purposeful, the 123 GT bridged everyday practicality and motorsport influence. As a sport-oriented chapter in Volvo’s 1960s history, it remains a key reference point in the brand’s development of performance-oriented passenger cars.
