Bohdan and Marian Antoniw had the same car for nearly five decades. Their Volvo Amazon 122S had such an impact on their lives that, even when the time came to upgrade, they have remained loyal to the brand that made their very special car.
The couple originally bought their four-door Amazon in December 1980 from a dealer in Greenwich, South London. Over the years, the classic Volvo became a huge part of family life, including bringing both of their children home from the hospital after they were born.
Produced between 1958 and 1970, the Volvo Amazon 122S remained a dependable companion for the Antoniws for 46 years. Carefully maintained throughout its life, the car stayed in good mechanical condition and was regularly used to tow the family’s micro-caravan on long trips around the UK.
However, as they began planning longer journeys, including an upcoming trip to Berlin, they started looking for something more modern and better suited to extended travel while still offering the driving experience they enjoy so much. The decision to stay with Volvo was further helped by a visit to their son Thomas in New York, who also drives a Volvo. Following his recommendation, the Antoniws chose the fully electric EC40 as their next car.
Volvo Car UK has purchased the Antoniws’ Amazon for its heritage fleet, where it will undergo a sympathetic restoration designed to preserve the originality of the car.
“Affection for Volvo is deep-rooted for families up and down the UK, so we have been delighted to hear the wonderful stories from the Antoniw family about their beloved car. I am so proud to hear that the qualities they love about Volvo remain the same, and that moving to the EC40 feels like a natural next step for them. We were also very touched that they have trusted us to restore their Amazon, and it will be a pleasure to welcome it into our UK heritage fleet.”
Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo Car UK Managing Director
The handover of the EC40 took place at Donalds Volvo Ipswich, while the Amazon now begins a new chapter as part of Volvo’s growing collection of historic vehicles.
“We will miss the Amazon because it has been part of our family for so long and is fun to drive. But it feels like the right time for a change and to embrace electric. If cars have a spirit, we like think it would be happy knowing a new generation has taken its place.”
Bohdan Antoniw
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