Production
figures wasn't Volvo strongest point and it is believed that
around 1500 Volvo 123GTs were produced in 1967 and 1968
only.....
Although some claim that also 5000 were produced between 1969
and 1970 with 118bhp B20B engines, most likely they were only
badged as 123GT but just the overdrive and trimmings
distinguished it from the 122S saloon. Only GT colours available
were Red, White and Dark Green.
Webmaster
Comment from Kjell Lindberg, Sweden
I am quite sure that also some very few 123GT cars were
delivered in Metallic Blue. These cars are very sought after
here in Sweden.
Jerry
Rogers, the owner of a 1969 registered 123GT with a B20B
engine is researching the production figures and specification
of the last 123GTs produced, please find his comments below.
Jim,
Yes, I have seen that some have "claimed" that as many
as 5,000 123 GTs were produced between 1969 and 1970, but
believe that was based on fuzzy logic. There were
certainly some 123 GTs produced in 1969 model year in some
markets (mostly Switzerland) and perhaps a few in 1970
too. I have one that was first registered in Jan 1969 in
Switzerland. I also have a copy of a Volvo 1969 123 GT
pamphlet printed in Switzerland in the French language. I
know the pamphlet is of the 1969 123 GT since it has a B20B
engine. As you know, the B20 engine was introduced with
the 1969 model year.
I am not a "123 GT expert", but I did buy a 123 GT new
in 1968 and drove it for 12 years. I currently have a 1969
123 GT that I have owned for nearly a year. This car was
originally registered in Switzerland in Jan 1969.
I have over the years accumulated many bits and pieces of
information about this model and offer the following for your
review and comment by all addressees. Please let me know
if you disagree with anything I am providing.
Here is what Mikael at CVI recently wrote: "In the
Volvo Parts catalogue for P130/P220 (B20) the type "GT"
is not referred to. Instead they called it "Spec Utf
5314" which means "Special Utförande 5314",
which in English translates to "Special Edition (or type)
5314". These are extremely rare as a matter of fact.
In 10 years of trading in the UK I never saw a single example:
when I moved the operation to Sweden in 1996 I saw one example
(strangely enough a RHD one, dark green 1970 model) in
somebody's garage, not currently registered. Since then I have
been told about the Swiss situation."
I think it may be helpful to review just what makes up a 123
GT. See the table below. In the first column I have
listed the "extras" found on the 1967/68 123 GT that
set it apart from the 122S. In the second column I have
shown those things that by 1969 were also found on the
122S. In the last column I show what was unique on the
1969 123 GT.
The following footnotes apply to the spreadsheet:
* According to Anders Ditlev Clausager in his book,
"Essential Volvo 120 Series and 1800", in the South
African market where the 123 GT was not marketed the B18B (115
HP) engine was available in both 4 door sedans and station
wagons as the 122S-B18B model.
** By 1968 the collapsing steering wheel and brake servo were
standard on other models.
*** Although the 123 GT model is not found in the 1969 parts
catalog, it is clear that it was available as a "Special
Edition or Type 5314. In addition, at least in Switzerland
it was marketed as 123 GT.
As we know, all of the 1969 Amazons had the following new or
additional features besides the B20 engine: dual circuit
brake system, alternator, locking steering wheel with ignition
on the steering column, improved brake servo, laminated
windshield. Likewise, there were a number of trim features
that were removed from the 1969 Amazons: chrome hood nose
strip, chrome rain gutter trim, chrome on emergency brake
handle, chrome bumper guards, door pockets, arm rest in rear
seat. The 1969 123 GTs were also lacking these trim items
although at least in Switzerland, the chrome bumper guards were
included on the 1969 123 GT.
I hope this helps answer your questions and suggest that you
post it to your Amazon list. Again, please let me know if
you have questions or comments.
Jerry
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