Bohdan and Marian Antoniw, both in their seventies, have traded in their 1965 Volvo Amazon 122S, which they owned for 46 years, for a new Volvo EC40 electric vehicle. The couple purchased the classic Amazon in 1980 for £475 and are now trading it for the new EC40, which costs £45,995. The EC40 has a claimed battery range of 336 miles on a full charge and is available in showrooms since April 2024.
This generational leap in automotive technology represents a significant shift for the couple, who cited a desire to travel across Europe, including a planned trip to Berlin, as a reason for upgrading to a modern vehicle with amenities like air conditioning and satellite navigation. Bohdan Antoniw, 73, stated that while they will miss the Amazon, it felt like the right time to 'embrace electric.'
The 1965 Volvo Amazon 122S, produced between 1958 and 1970, remains in good mechanical condition, having recently passed its MOT. This is notable as cars over 40 years old are exempt from MOT testing in the UK. The Antoniws' classic car was an integral part of their family life, used to bring their children home from the hospital and making an appearance on their wedding day.
Volvo Car UK confirmed it has acquired the Amazon 122S as part of the trade-in. While the exact trade-in value was not disclosed, experts at Hagerty UK estimate a 1965 Amazon 122S in excellent condition could be worth approximately £12,300 to £21,200.
Volvo Cars UK plans to restore the Antoniws' Amazon to add it to the brand's heritage fleet. According to DVLA records, there are fewer than 200 Volvo Amazon 122S models still on the road in the UK. Nicole Melillo Shaw, managing director of Volvo Car UK, expressed delight in the family's continued loyalty to the Volvo brand and their trust in restoring the classic vehicle.
The Antoniws' decision aligns with a broader trend in the UK's automotive market, which saw battery-electric vehicles account for a record share of new car sales in June. This increase in EV adoption is attributed to factors such as rising fuel costs and the growing availability of electric models with extended ranges, often supported by manufacturer discounts and government grants. The generational difference between the two Volvos is stark: the 1965 Amazon was among the first production cars to feature three-point seatbelts, while the new EC40 incorporates advanced restraint systems that measure passenger size and weight.