| Engineering
And Safety Changes Highlight 1968 Volvo 122 S Line Two new features easily identify the Volvo 122 S sedan and station wagon for 1968. Reflectors are mounted on the side of all four fenders and the front seats are fitted with adjustable headrests.  Source: Volvo Car Corporation Last edited: 01.06.68 |
Most important of numerous hidden changes is a boost of 15 horsepower in engine output. 122 S models now share Volvo's most powerful engine with the company's 1800 S sports coupe. This powerplant produces 115 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute and 112 foot/pounds of torque at 4,000 revolutions per minute.
The headrests, mounted on the front seats of both sedans and station wagons, are designed to prevent whiplash injury as well as to protect rear seat passengers thrown forward against the front seats during sudden stops or accidents. The rectangular side reflectors, yellow in front and red in the rear, are fitted to aid vehicle identification at night.
Non-reflecting windshield frames and wipers plus a spring-loaded outside rear view mirror are the other exterior changes on the new 122 S models.
Interior changes for 1968, in addition to the headrests, include a new steering wheel with padded center section.
For extra knee and leg protection, the lower edges of the dashboard is fitted with padding.
Door handles, window regulators and vent window locks are redesigned for greater occupant protection.
New dashboard knobs are made of an energy absorbing rubber compound and also are designed to break away on impact.
Accoring to Stig Jansson, President of Volvo U.S.A., the interior of the new 122 S Volvo exceeds the federal safety regulation on occupant protection by a significant margin. Jansson also states that the new cars meet or exceed the requirements of all government safety laws.
Features of the new 122S Volvos which exceed the laws include the front seat headrests, safety wheel rims, padding for knee protection and brake pressure relief valves to prevent rear wheel lockup.
New I22 S models also are equipped with a unique smog-control device which is contained entirely within the engine. A special preheating chamber in the intake manifold thoroughly vaporizes the gasoline-air mixture.
Shoulder/lap seat belts for front seat passengers are standard equipment in 1968 for the seventh consecutive year. Belts for rear seat passengers also are standard on the new cars. Volvo was the first auto manufacturer in the world to install seat belts in all its cars.
A knob has replaced a screwdriver to simplify adjustment of Volvo's exclusive front seat lumbar support. Turning the knob now varies lower back support from soft to firm.
Volvo's 122 S four door station wagon for 1968 features a 64 cubic foot cargo area in a body shell only 1 1/2 inches longer than the 122 S sedan. Fully carpeted, the cargo area is 6 feet long, nearly 3 feet high and more than 4 feet wide.
Large tires and wheels, heavy duty shock absorbers and rubber-cushioned coil springs compensate for heavy loads while retaining the ride and handling qualities of the 122 S sedan.
The 122 S sedan and station wagon for 1968 come in two new colors, yellow and dark green. The interior with both these colors is tan. Both models also are available with automatic transmission and air-conditioning.
East Coast Port of Entry prices of these cars remain unchanged for 1968 at $2775 for the sedan and $3090 for the station wagon. These prices include an average price increase of $95 made this summer to cover the cost of the anti-smog system and major safety features introduced at that time.