Volvo Amazon Tire Pressures

• The ideal Volvo Amazon tire pressures range dramatically from 26/41 PSI PSI depending on your car's model and tire size.
• To find the ideal tire pressures to match your car's year, model, and chosen tires follow the link to our Volvo Amazon Tire Pressure Guides.

• Our recommendation for Volvo Amazon 121, 122, and 123 is the 1.1 Litre and 1.5 Diesel Mk1 Volvo Amazon tires is the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67.
• Our recommendation for Volvo Amazon 123 GT, 131, 221, 222, and 223 is the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67.
• Our recommended innertube for these tires is the Michelin 15E.

Volvo Amazon Tires (1956–1970)

Some of the early Volvo Amazon 121, 122, or 123 that left the factory would have fitted crossply tires in the size 590 - 15 Tyres or 600 - 15 Tyres, whilst the estate cars mostly fitted 640 - 15 Tyres, however some reportedly also fitted standard 590 - 15 or 600 - 15 sizes.

If you want to stay on 590 - 15 or 600 - 15 crossply tires on an early Volvo Amazon (which was initially spelled 'Amason' before a naming dispute with another company forced the change), we suggest fitting the 590 H 15 Avon Turbospeed. The only period crossply tires in the 600 - 15 size are racing tires that aren't road-legal.

The ideal Volvo Amazon 640 - 15 crossply tire is the 640 H 15 Avon Super Safety.

Crossply tires offer historical authenticity for older classics, and offer a smooth and comfortable ride, however they are much less suited to modern roads, as they were designed when roads were much more rough, often unpaved and covered in loose material. At the sustained high-speeds that we all drive at today on modern motorways, a crossply tire will tend to wander and struggle to sustain a completely straight line. We would recommend instead fitting radial Volvo Amazon tires.

Radial tires were often fitted as an upgrade to a car's original crossply tires, offering greatly increased longevity, grip, directional stability, and higher speed ratings. For the earlier Amazon cars, originally fitted with crossply tires, you may prefer to fit one of the radial tires mentioned below.

The original equipment 165R15 tire used on the Volvo Amazon in period varied, as certain models received tires from different manufacturers based on the country of sale, meaning there wasn't a single OE tire brand associated with the Amazon. The luckier Volvo Amazon cars were fitted with 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 tires, and this would still be the best tire to fit to any of these cars today.

For those exploring alternatives, Michelin produces the 165 SR 15 Michelin XZX, an excellent choice for a Volvo Amazon at an incredibly good price. However, it has a lower speed rating compared to the CINTURATO, which boasts superior performance in challenging driving conditions. Given the fairly small price gap, the CA67 emerges as our top recommendation almost every time.

Some of the Amazon 221, 222, and 223 Estates moved up to 175R15 tires. Our fitment guides suggest this may have been the OE size in some cases, and an optional or aftermarket upgrade in others. Currently there are no classic tires made in this size. 165R15 is the closest available size to 175R15, and many of the Estates fitted 165R15 tires anyway, so we recommend sticking to the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67.

The Volvo Amazon 123GT was a sportier variant sporting 165R15 tires. We recommend the 165 HR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 for this car, as the CA67 is the most sport oriented of 165R15 classic tires that apply to the Amazon's historical era.

We also have the 165 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CN36 N, however this tire is more suited to sports cars of the 1970s. The CA67 is more than capable of handling anything a Volvo 123GT could throw at it, and the CA67 is specifically designed to complement the chassis design of sports cars made in the 50s and 60s.

Our period fitment guides contradict one another as to whether Volvo Amazon wheels were tube-type or tubeless. Our Michelin fitment guides suggest that the Amazon 131 fitted tubeless wheels from 1968 onwards, but our 1972 Pirelli guide suggests that all models were tubeless. Although Michelin is likely to be more accurate, we suggest checking your current wheels and tires to see if they have tubes fitted.

We always recommend Michelin's innertubes when they are available, as we find them to be the most reliable, least prone to puncture, and of the highest quality all-round for classic tires. For 5.90-15, 6.00-15, and 165R15 tires we offer the Michelin 15E innertube. For 640-15 tires we suggest the Michelin 15F innertube.

The Volvo Amazon stands as a hallmark in Volvo's automotive history, blending safety, durability, and a distinct design from its introduction in 1956 until the end of production in 1970. Designed by Jan Wilsgaard, the Amazon showcased a departure from the boxy cars of its era, featuring a more rounded and stylish body. Initially released as the 121 and 122S models, the car was built on a unibody frame, enhancing both safety and structural integrity. Due to trademark issues, the "Amazon" name was primarily used in Sweden, with the series known as the 120 Series in other markets.

Throughout its production life, the Amazon was offered in various body styles, including two-door and four-door sedans, and notably, the station wagon introduced in 1962 as the 220 Series. The lineup also featured the sportier 123GT variant from 1966, equipped with a more powerful engine and sport-focused features.

• 121/122S: These models formed the core of the Amazon range, with the 122S offering enhanced performance thanks to a dual carburetor setup. Engine options evolved to include 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter variants over time.
• 123GT: Targeted at enthusiasts, the 123GT borrowed its 2.0-liter engine from the P1800, adding sporty elements like a tachometer and an upgraded steering wheel.
• Station Wagon (220 Series): This variant added practicality to the Amazon lineup, becoming popular for its spaciousness.

In 1965, the Volvo Amazon station wagon was presented as the first foreign market police car to any police force in the UK. Hampshire Constabulary bought a white Volvo Amazon 1800 station wagon with an upgraded engine. Hampshire Police purchased five Volvo Amazon station wagons, but the purchase of foreign police cars caused local anger, with letters of complaint written to Hampshire Police and published in Autocar magazine. 

Volvo's focus on safety was evident in the Amazon, which was among the first cars to include standard three-point seat belts. Other safety features introduced included padded dashboards, crumple zones, and laminated windshields, reinforcing Volvo's reputation for being a world leader when it comes to safety.

The Amazon's performance varied by model, with the 122S and 123GT offering more engaging driving experiences. The 123GT, in particular, could achieve 0-60 mph in about 12 seconds. Volvo produced approximately 667,000 Amazon cars.

The Amazon was well-received for its blend of safety, reliability, and style, appealing to a wide range of buyers. Today, it is celebrated as a classic, with a dedicated enthusiast community. Its legacy is evident in Volvo's ongoing commitment to safety, quality, and design in its vehicle lineup.