Beschreibung
Looking for a super-cool cruiser with a hidden secret? How about this. A nicely restored and genuinely very rare PV544 that has been historically and discreetly modified with Rover 3. 5 litre V8 power! Benefitting from high-ratio automatic transmission, power steering and later disc brakes, this is a serious custom Volvo albeit retaining a stock appearance - the ultimate Q car. And not surprisingly, it sounds amazing from twin stainless pipes, the only clue to its not-so-Swedish heart. Already nicknamed ?Erik?, the car has already created quite a stir in our workshops and given current interest, we don`t anticipate his time with us will be long. Early enquiries are strongly recommended.
Developed during World War II by Volvo to be a compact, simple and mass-produced car, the PV444 was introduced in 1944 to a demanding public. Orders were very strong for this 2-door saloon and with limited raw materials, production was delayed until 1947. Early cars featured a 1. 4 litre 4-cylinder engine with single carburettor developing just 40BHP although with some revisions including bigger twin side-draft carburettors, power was up to 70BHP by the mid-1950`s. In 1957, engine displacement was enlarged to 1. 6 litre and a year later, the PV544 was phased in. Now with a single curved windscreen (instead of 2 pieces of flat glass separated by a metal bar), bigger tail-lights and 4-speed transmission, the PV544 also benefitted from a larger, more comfortable interior capable of seating up to 5 adults. From 1962, the car was upgraded mechanically with Volvo`s B18 engine (from the P1800 sports car) and a 12-volt charging system. The model continued for another 3 years with, in total, 440, 000 units being produced across the entire 18-year run. When production finally stopped in 1965, the company were forced to run self-deprecating advertisements imploring dedicated PV owners not to be angry at the model`s demise. Such was its popularity. Indeed, owing to its robust nature and turn of speed, the PV544 became an obvious choice for serious rally enthusiasts with the car notching up many victories during the 1960`s, including a win in probably the world`s toughest event, the Safari Rally, in 1965.
Our car dates from 1961 and would have been supplied new with the B16 engine. Sadly, we know very little of its early history, but it was evidently imported in 1994 and correctly registered in the November of that year (the PV range was never available in the UK). Believed, at this stage, to be an honest and original example, MoT history from this period up to 2016 reflects regular but limited use. However, in 2017, the car was taken off the road and clearly became the subject of some serious investment being both fully restored and modified with the fitting of the Rover engine and automatic gearbox with necessary upgrades to brakes, suspension and steering. Both the exterior and interior of the Volvo were kept as stock and original as possible, the car being professionally repainted in its factory colour. The need for extra engine cooling has resulted in the louvred bonnet, which in itself, has been done beautifully. Unfortunately, no bills or receipts exist for the work undertaken but without doubt evident modifications, upgrades and restoration would have run to a five-figure sum. A year later, the Volvo was sold to a gentleman in Northampton who retained the car for 2 years before selling to a collector in Salisbury where the Volvo has remained for the past 3 years. In truth, it has travelled less than 500 miles in this time, the owner being fully committed with a long-term building project. Indeed, it was a need for additional funds that has resulted in its reluctant sale.
The photographs tell the story. The body and paintwork are superb with just a couple of minor scratches and age-related blemishes. The quality of the repaint speaks for itself, polishing up well and worthy of any show-field. Chrome-work and stainless steel brightwork would appear largely new whilst freshly repainted steel wheels with correct chrome hubcaps are shod with virtually unworn whitewall Firestone tyres all `round. Glass would seem all original with the remains of the supplying dealer sticker still evident in the rear window. Inside, the cabin is largely original with excellent front and rear bench seats featuring genuine factory-fitted webbing seatbelts, a very presentable headlining and wonderful painted dashboard with a full range of working instruments including the iconic strip speedo. Currently, a later steering wheel is fitted but the original is available. The dash further features a super-rare and fully operational Blaupunkt Koblenz CB12 radio dating from around 1978. Turn the ignition key and push the starter and the ever-reliable Rover lump fires immediately into life settling down quickly to a discreet rumble. Select Drive and the Volvo pulls forward smoothly and swiftly with almost seamless changes from the high-ratio automatic `box. Highway speed limits are reached quickly and with ease, the car feeling both planted and well-balanced with light yet very positive power-assisted steering and excellent brakes when required. On a sunny Saturday afternoon, I took the Volvo on a run along the coast road to Bridport and my smile became broader with each mile covered. It is actually a very easy car to drive and despite its age and modifications, feels tight and properly sorted. And even with the V8 under the bonnet, it isn`t an animal - more a fabulous and distinctive cruiser with enough power and grunt to make it fun without taking away too much from the classic it truly is. With less than a handful registered on UK roads, the PV544 is a very rare car and quite possibly unique with this conversion.
The Volvo comes with a current and correctly amended V5C showing the engine size as ?3500? and benefits from Historic status. As such it is both MoT and road tax exempt.
A rare and rather splendid thing.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
Deposit now taken.
