"The Volvo 123GT is not the cheapest high-performance car in Australia; and it's not the fastest. It may be one of the most economical, it's almost certainly the most durable and it's likely the best all-rounder....." ( Sports Car World magazine Road Test February 1968)

For 123GT Steering Wheels and Horn Button Purchases please click here

IMPORTANT
To remove the horn button from the steering wheel, push it out from behind. Use a screwdriver with a thin blade or use a spike through the hole at the back of the steering wheel hub. DO NOT try to prise it from the front. That is how they crack or break.


 

Click to join volvo123gt

History: The 1967 (type M) Volvo 120 series model line up saw the first all new two door 123GT model released by Volvo. Press Release here. This was the first 120 series model with the B18B 115hp engine from the P1800 series. Although 1968 saw the engine used in all 122S models, the 1967 123GT to some, was the unique stand out model. The 123GT model was continued in 1968 (type P) and a 123GT with a B20B engine was available in 1969 (type S) albeit with very limited numbers and to certain European countries only. But only the B18B version of the 123GT was homologated for racing with FIA (recognition No. 5152). Although the B20B 122S was homologated (recognition No. 5313) the B20B 123GT was not. 

Production: It is very hard to know how many of each year model was ever produced, let alone the total number. Most GTs were assembled in Sweden but a very small number were assembled in Halifax, Canada and Ghent, Belgium. Volvo did not keep a record of numbers produced in either Sweden or those two countries. But delivery information is available for the Swedish built cars from Volvo in Sweden.

Although the popular opinion has been that roughly the same number of GTs were produced in 1967 and 1968, it is obvious from the register so far that the 1967 production was by far the largest. With well over 500 cars on the register, over 400 of them are 1967 'M' models. A grand total of about 1,500 cars has been talked about. A letter to Volvo sent by Bob Taylor, a Volvo enthusiast from Australia, in 1986 got back this response from them. I have a feeling that the number might even be less than that, making the 123GT model perhaps the second rarest production model after the P1900. I have been putting together a worldwide 123GT chassis number register (click on REGISTER banner below) to get an idea of how many GTs are out there. If you would like to add another one please email me the details and photos of the car. If yours does appear and you would like to add or correct an entry or send me some photos of your car, then please email me.

Latest Count as per register:
1967 x 505 cars
1968 x 84 cars
1969 x 12 cars
1970 x 1 car

GTs in Australia: Less than fifty 1967 and 1968 Volvo 123GT cars were imported and sold in Australia. Of those some 35 survive today. At about A$4,000.00, they were an expensive car at the time, compared to the local product. I have never seen a 1969 or 1970 GT here in Australia. Period Review

GTs in Europe: Some 123GTs were built/assembled in Belgium. These have S numbers 5118 and 5297 on the ID plate. A Swiss Advert of the time refers to two spot lights and only one mirror (see picture at bottom of advert) While a German Advert shows the GT with Talbot fender mirrors and driving lights.

GTs in USA: According to the Volvo Publication "Service Hints" printed in 1968 by Volvo, Inc. New Jersey, the 123GT was not imported to the USA but that some cars were imported by private individuals. Also, there are quite a few Canadian GTs that, over the years, have crossed the border to the USA.

GTs in Canada: Model designation 133951M with S-code S5324 (more soon) Track &Traffic write-up June1967

GTs in Belgium & Netherlands: Did you know the 123GT was only available in the Netherlands  in 1967?  In 1968 (B18B)and 1969 (B20B) there was in the Netherlands and Belgium a so called 133GT. This was a simple car with only a GT-steering Wheel and a GT-badge on boot lid (see photo of 133GT from 1969). In the front the 122S-badges. They also called this car a 122S GT. The type number is 133941 (assembled in Belgium). No further features/extra’s like the 123GT. There are only a few 133GT’s left in the Netherlands and Belgium. (thanks to Cor Mulder for this information)

Model and Type numbers:
Type (right hand drive) 133352 and (left hand drive) 133351
M for 1967 model selected at random from 2 door chassis numbers 216950-279899
P for 1968 model selected at random from 2 door chassis numbers 279900-312499
S for 1969 model selected at random from 2 door chassis numbers 312500-339999
T for 1970 model selected at random from 2 door chassis numbers 334000-359910
123GTs assembled in Halifax, Canada - Type133951M 1967 with 'S' codes on ID plate S5324
123GTs assembled in Belgium - Type 133951M 1967 with 'S' codes on ID plate S5118, S5297 (and mostly) S5250

Engines
123GT Engine Types B18B, 496860, 496861, 496866, 496881 and 496882
123GT Engine Types B20B, 496910, 496911

Gearbox/Overdrive
M41 four speed full synchromesh gearbox with Laycock de Normanville overdrive unit


Colour codes (exterior/interior)
46, Red / 417-515, Black (Dulux paint code 526 10916)
79, Pearl White / 424-551, Red (rare) (Dulux paint code 526 17567)
79-1, Pearl White / 425-552, Tan (Dulux paint code 526 10915)
94, Dark Green / 425-552, Tan (Dulux paint code 526 10917)

A list of Rare Colours - limited production
53-102, Blue Metallic / 417-515, Black
53-91, Turquoise Metallic (or Light Green Metallic)
96, Dark Blue / 425-552, Blue
95-1, Light Blue / 417-515, Black (Canadian)
91, Light Green / 426-553, Green (Canadian)

More on Colours by Fredrik Lofter

Sales Brochures
1967 model RK2324.8.66 print 10,000
1968 model RK2889.12.67 print 20,000
1969 B20 model Swiss Brochure
1967 Canadian Model
1969 B20 model Japan
(click here for sales brochures & owners manuals)

Special 123GT features and extras

• Engine and gearbox mounts as per P1800 with overdrive.
• Exhaust extension pipe, chromed. (p/n 277178)
• Fog (p/n 281052) and spot (p/n 281053) (Hella 7") lights  type 162 with white 'Volvo' covers (p/n 281056) and chromed brackets with strengthening 'L' type brackets (p/ns 672618 & 660408) from under the front bumper and longer screws to suit (Spare Parts Page) (while some European markets got two of the same light)
• Engine bay and luggage compartment illumination lights with automatic switching. (p/n 279894)
• Revolution Counter on top of dash pad. (p/n 281046)
• Alternator. 1 (different regulators depending on year).
• Panel with extra relays and a fuse box (with sheet inside written in both Swedish and English).
• Wiring loom different to that of the 122. email me with your chassis number if you want an easy to read COLOUR wiring diagram (324kb).
• Windscreen wiper arms and blades (for 'high speed' driving!). (p/n 672562 & 672563)
• Shock absorbers as per P1800 with springs code 'Blue'. (p/n 276552 & 276553)
• Steering Wheel Special GT. (p/n 672596) - GT Horn Button (p/n 672597) Front Rear
• Dash pad (with shelf). (p/n 672577 LHD & 672578 RHD)
• 123GT badges (2 front sides and 1 on boot lid). (p/n 672490 & 672493)
• Front guard mirrors (Some were delivered with car but not fitted) (p/n 281091)
• Horn different to that of the 122S. Bosch low tone and Bosch high tone (p/n 240990 & 240991)
• Reclining front seats with chrome type adjusters. (not illustrated in 120 spare parts book). (p/n 277386 & 277387)
• Anodised chrome wheel trim rings. (p/n 277584) Wheels (p/n 670429)
• Tyres Pirelli cinturatos.
• Owners manual GT supplement or extra GT information included in the 120 owners manual.  

Volvo 1800-120 Parts
New & Used Parts for your Volvo P1800, 120 & 140 series cars


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