Bohdan and Marian Antoniw have traded their classic Volvo Amazon 122S for a new EC40 electric SUV after nearly five decades with the same car.
The couple purchased their Amazon 122S in December 1980. The car became part of their family story – bringing both children home from the hospital and towing their micro-caravan on family holidays across the UK.
Their decision to retire the classic came after visiting their son Thomas in New York, who drives a modern Volvo.
The Antoniws sold their Amazon 122S to Volvo UK’s heritage fleet. They’re planning a road trip to Berlin and wanted the EC40’s 345-mile range plus the quiet operation that comes with electric power.
“We will miss the Amazon because it has been part of our family for so long and is fun to drive,” Bohdan Antoniw said before taking delivery of the EC40.
“But it feels like the right time for a change and to embrace electric. If cars have a spirit, we like to think it would be happy knowing a new generation has taken its place.”
Growing EV Adoption Across Demographics
Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo UK’s managing director, praised the family’s loyalty to the brand.
“Affection for Volvo is deep-rooted for families up and down the UK, so we have been delighted to hear the wonderful stories from the Antoniw family about their beloved car,” she said.
“I am so proud to hear that the qualities they love about Volvo remain the same, and that moving to the EC40 feels like a natural next step for them.”
The Antoniws’ switch highlights the UK’s broader move toward electric vehicles across all age groups. EV sales in the UK have grown faster than in China recently, with electric cars now representing nearly one in four new vehicle sales.
Volvo currently offers six all-electric models in the UK market:
- EC40 crossover SUV
- EX30 compact SUV
- EX40 SUV
- ES60 SUV
- EX90 large SUV
- ES90 saloon
The Amazon 122S will join Volvo UK’s heritage collection, preserving nearly 45 years of family memories while the Antoniws begin their next chapter with electric power.
