Amazon Lady – STREET COVER

At a recent Canberra Downshift meet, 2 things caught my eye specifically, the talent of Liam Ireland, and Danilo Enders-Moje’s gorgeous ’63 Volvo Amazon wagon. It had been selected for a “VIP” space right on the front row, so luckily it was clearly visible for myself and everyone else to gawk at for the duration.

Now, it’s no secret that not all Volvo’s are “cool” but the ride height and a quick peek through the front grille, quickly tells you that it’s no secret, that this is not driven by a hat wearing, bowls player, with a tissue box on the parcel shelf.

Danilo has been quietly working away on this fine piece of swedish machinery for the last 5 years. Dan was already a secret Volvo worshipper from way back, and owned various other models, but when this one came up, he knew it was the perfect opportunity to build a unique one.

He came across the car through a workmate, whose brother was Luke Laffan, from Laffan Metal Works. After purchasing the car, he befriended Luke and begun learning a lot about machining and fabrication. After hearing plans for the car, Luke was drawn to the project like a moth to a flame.

The focus was always for it to remain a sleeper, and with the car having just the right amount of patina on purchase, the bodywork would tell it’s own story and add to the old school charm. Though no respray occurred, some personalised touches were added, like powdercoating the bumpers, and a weathered swedish flag.

Custom 17×7(F) and 17×8(R) steel chasers with original Volvo hubcaps also add some extra character and colour.

The old 4 banger B18 was pulled out, and replaced by a bigger and more versatile 5 cylinder, 2.5L B5254T3. An engine you might remember from such cars as: Ford XR5’s, Focus RS & ST’s, only facing the wrong way.

The longer you look, the better it gets.

It serves it’s purpose. Putting out a respectable 200kw’s and 510nm of torque.

Obviously, it had to have the gear to back it up and give it the power, with Bosch 450s injectors, K04 Borg Warner turbo, Mishimoto 10-row oil cooler, custom alloy radiator, custom 3″ exhaust with a Varex Muffler and a Bosch ME9 tweaked by Hilton Tuning.

Other running gear included: A Tremec TKO600 5spd with a custom bellhousing adapter, modified VL Turbo diff(insert BT1 joke), Torana drop spindles, Custom offset-parallel 4 link, level-ride air management, and Accuair CVT tank.

Head inside, and you’ll also be treated, with: ’73 Porsche 911 bucket seats, Nardi Deep Corn steering wheel complete with wireless control buttons, Samsung Tab A instrument cluster and stereo system complete with Kicker 6″ and 10″ splits.