Volvo 122S: Jimmy Tebbutt Super Clean, Street-Bred Beast
Back in the day—or more likely your dad’s day—Volvos were pretty cool cars, and they became quite sought after. One of the most popular models was the Volvo 120 Series, produced from 1956 through 1970. While the boxy styling of the '80s Volvos didn’t win many hearts, the 122S still has a nostalgic charm. However, you won’t find many people in South Africa restoring or modifying these old Swedish rides—until now. Volvo 122S owner Jimmy Tebbutt set out to change that perception, and boy, did he succeed.
Photos By Chris Wall
Jimmy’s mission was simple: build a feature-worthy Volvo 122S. He was even more motivated after spotting one in a magazine that he thought didn’t deserve the spotlight. Determined to show the world what a true showstopper should look like, Jimmy put in the work, and the result speaks for itself.
Under the hood, the original Volvo 122S ran with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, a reliable and easy-to-maintain powerplant that saw action in various racing series, both on the track and in rally events. For Jimmy, growing up around Volvos—thanks to his dad’s love for the brand—left a lasting impression. So, when the time came for him to build his own, he knew it had to be more powerful than any Volvo engine could offer. And powerful it is.
Jimmy’s 122S isn’t just another restored classic. It’s a street-ready monster, thanks to the American muscle he tucked under the hood—a Chevy 383 V8, complete with some serious mods. A set of Camel heads, high-compression pistons, upgraded connecting rods, a Hot Rod camshaft, roller rockers, and a Holley 650 double pumper carb all come together to push around 350 horsepower. That’s right—this little Swedish brick packs four times the power it originally had.
And it’s not just what’s under the hood that turns heads. The engine bay is pristine—you could eat off it. With that much power, Jimmy knew he needed to upgrade the brakes, so he swapped in a set of proper discs and calipers up front, while retaining drums at the rear. Handling was another priority, so he installed a full custom suspension setup that keeps the Volvo hugging the road and riding at the perfect height.
Rolling on 20-inch Lenso wheels wrapped in fat rubber, the 122S not only handles better, but it also looks downright menacing. The bodywork is flawless, and the custom blue paint—an almost identical match to Polestar’s Rebel Blue—gives the car a modern touch while paying homage to its Swedish roots.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a completely redone interior that puts many modern cars to shame. The carpeting is immaculate, the custom door cards are perfect, and the race seats, equipped with 4-point harnesses, ensure Jimmy stays safe while enjoying the car’s newfound power. A half-cage in red adds a striking contrast, while the custom dashboard now houses an array of Defi electronic gauges, giving Jimmy all the vital info he needs at a glance. Even the Volvo-branded door sill plates score extra points for attention to detail.
Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of modified 122 Series Volvos, but Jimmy’s build sets a new standard. It’s the right mix of style, power, and attention to detail in every area. With this car, Jimmy has not only surpassed his own expectations but also raised the bar for future Volvo projects. It’s safe to say that this 122S would stand out even among the six classic Volvos in his father’s collection.
In closing, Jimmy wants to give a big shout-out to Colin Hinkley, who lent a hand in turning this vision into reality. And we salute you too, Jimmy—this Volvo 122S is nothing short of extraordinary.
Jimmy’s mission was simple: build a feature-worthy Volvo 122S. He was even more motivated after spotting one in a magazine that he thought didn’t deserve the spotlight. Determined to show the world what a true showstopper should look like, Jimmy put in the work, and the result speaks for itself.
Under the hood, the original Volvo 122S ran with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, a reliable and easy-to-maintain powerplant that saw action in various racing series, both on the track and in rally events. For Jimmy, growing up around Volvos—thanks to his dad’s love for the brand—left a lasting impression. So, when the time came for him to build his own, he knew it had to be more powerful than any Volvo engine could offer. And powerful it is.
Jimmy’s 122S isn’t just another restored classic. It’s a street-ready monster, thanks to the American muscle he tucked under the hood—a Chevy 383 V8, complete with some serious mods. A set of Camel heads, high-compression pistons, upgraded connecting rods, a Hot Rod camshaft, roller rockers, and a Holley 650 double pumper carb all come together to push around 350 horsepower. That’s right—this little Swedish brick packs four times the power it originally had.
And it’s not just what’s under the hood that turns heads. The engine bay is pristine—you could eat off it. With that much power, Jimmy knew he needed to upgrade the brakes, so he swapped in a set of proper discs and calipers up front, while retaining drums at the rear. Handling was another priority, so he installed a full custom suspension setup that keeps the Volvo hugging the road and riding at the perfect height.
Rolling on 20-inch Lenso wheels wrapped in fat rubber, the 122S not only handles better, but it also looks downright menacing. The bodywork is flawless, and the custom blue paint—an almost identical match to Polestar’s Rebel Blue—gives the car a modern touch while paying homage to its Swedish roots.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by a completely redone interior that puts many modern cars to shame. The carpeting is immaculate, the custom door cards are perfect, and the race seats, equipped with 4-point harnesses, ensure Jimmy stays safe while enjoying the car’s newfound power. A half-cage in red adds a striking contrast, while the custom dashboard now houses an array of Defi electronic gauges, giving Jimmy all the vital info he needs at a glance. Even the Volvo-branded door sill plates score extra points for attention to detail.
Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of modified 122 Series Volvos, but Jimmy’s build sets a new standard. It’s the right mix of style, power, and attention to detail in every area. With this car, Jimmy has not only surpassed his own expectations but also raised the bar for future Volvo projects. It’s safe to say that this 122S would stand out even among the six classic Volvos in his father’s collection.
In closing, Jimmy wants to give a big shout-out to Colin Hinkley, who lent a hand in turning this vision into reality. And we salute you too, Jimmy—this Volvo 122S is nothing short of extraordinary.
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