Swedish Steel, South African Soul 1970 Volvo 122

You don’t usually hear the words “Hot Rod” and “Volvo” in the same breath — but that’s exactly what makes this build so damn cool. The 1970 Volvo 122 Amazon isn’t your average showstopper in a world obsessed with Detroit muscle, but it’s got the right bones, the right lines, and with the right hands behind the spanners — it can turn into something seriously special. And that’s exactly what Naeem Cassim did. What started as a humble family car has been reimagined into one of the cleanest, most tastefully built street machines we’ve seen in a long time.
 

The first time I spotted Naeem’s Amazon was at a Classic and Hot Rod show on the West Rand. Among the thundering V8s and glistening chrome, it stood out — not because it tried to, but because it didn’t have to. Everything about the build felt measured and mature. There were no gimmicks, no wild wings or overdone mods — just pure style. The Volvo’s original lines were respected, refined, and subtly sharpened.

This wasn’t just a project car. It was personal. The Amazon had been in Naeem’s family since the 1970s, handed down from his father. It was the car that took them on holidays, school runs, and shopping trips — a rolling piece of family history. But by the time Naeem took ownership, the car was well past its prime. That didn’t matter. To him, it was more than a car — it was a blank canvas with soul.

Under the hood, the transformation is as bold as it is brilliant. The original 1782cc engine with its modest 64kW was fine for the 1970s, but today? Not so much. Rather than squeezing more life out of the old motor, Naeem opted for a full transplant. In went a modern Volvo 940 2.3-litre turbo motor, complete with all the brains and boost you’d expect from a Swedish sleeper.

It wasn’t the easiest swap. Marrying a fuel-injected, ECU-driven engine to a 40-year-old chassis is no plug-and-play affair. But the execution is flawless. Pop the bonnet, and it’s as if the turbo four-cylinder was born there. It’s clean, uncluttered, and functional. No cable spaghetti or messy brackets — just precision. It’s the kind of conversion that earns nods of respect from even the most diehard purist.

With the new motor came the need for a stronger gearbox. The factory unit wasn’t up to the task, so Naeem adapted a Ford 5-speed manual to do the shifting. It slots into the build like it was always meant to be there. The rest of the drivetrain? Left original — because if you know Volvo, you know their rear ends were built to last. And when it comes to safety, Naeem knew better than to mess with Swedish engineering.

The bodywork received the same level of care. With the help of friend and fellow craftsman Deon September, the shell was straightened to perfection before being resprayed in a slick coat of Volvo grey. The bumpers were tucked in tighter, overriders deleted, and the overall silhouette smoothed out without losing the car’s original charm. The headlights were frenched, dressed with custom mesh covers, adding a touch of motorsport aggression.

One of the standout features is the custom grille. The factory unit didn’t make the cut, so Naeem built his own from stainless steel, incorporating the original B20 badge. It’s clean, modern, and totally unique — and don’t be surprised if other Amazon owners start calling him up for replicas. Even the front indicators were replaced with imported clear lenses from Sweden, rounding out a front end that looks factory-fresh but completely one-of-a-kind.

Inside, the cabin continues the theme of subtle customisation. The dashboard, typically cluttered in its original form, was stripped back to bare metal, smoothed, and painted in body colour. Gone are the unnecessary switches, ashtrays, and filler. In their place is simplicity — form following function. A handmade centre console houses the new radio and gauges, while the original seats have been retrimmed in classy black leather.

And then there’s the steering wheel — a handcrafted piece, made by Naeem himself. It’s the kind of detail that separates a custom build from a parts-bin project. It speaks to pride. To craft. To doing it not because it’s easy, but because it’s right.

This might not be a Ford or a Chevy, but if this isn’t a Hot Rod, then I don’t know what is. It’s custom. It’s personal. It’s hand-built to reflect the owner’s vision, passion, and legacy. It’s a testament to what’s possible when you look past the obvious and embrace the overlooked.

So, next time you're browsing for a base to build from, don’t just head straight for the usual suspects. Look deeper. Look wider. There’s magic in the margins — and chances are, you’ll find a full running Euro or JDM classic for less than what a ’55 Chevy door goes for these days.

Me? I’ve got my own oddball project brewing. A VW-based Rod that’ll hit the streets soon. Because that’s the beauty of rodding — it’s about building your vision, not someone else’s tradition.

Sold: 
Yes