Since I started with a 1964 Volvo, it's easy for me to say that once you've worked on one Volvo, you've worked on them all. There's a design consistency that has evolved from the earlier ones even to the present Volvos. I don't know how you would regress, but yes, they were very basic and simple with many industry standard components - Lockeed-Bendix brakes (same as used on Ramblers & Studebakers), Monroe shocks, Bosch electrical components, etc...

This car looks decent from the outside, based on the condition of the chrome, despite the precense of snow. The achilles heel of these old Volvos was rust in the unibody sub-frame components, front chassis, A-arms, clutch and brake mechanical components and of course the floor. If you can inspect the car beforehand or make any purchase contingent on a mechanical inspection, you'll save yourself some possible grief.

Since this car seems to have been driven in Wisconsin, this may explain the condition. In extreme cold states and provinces, salt is ineffective, so isn't used to melt the snow. My 1960 Amazon-S came from northern Saskatchewan (north of Wisconsin) and I couldn't believe how well preserved it was - bought it and love it!

Good luck.
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Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM