Highlights

Original B18 1,800cc engine with M40 4-speed transmission
Spent majority of its 63 years in a garage in Texas
Comprehensive mechanical restoration in current ownership
Unique "rat rod" appearance with original paintwork revealed beneath poor 1980s respray
Recently obtained UK registration after being imported in 2014

The Appeal

The Volvo PV 544 was first shown to the Swedish public all the way back in 1944, and proved an immediate hit. Volvo was evolving into the marque we now know and love, with top-notch engineering becoming their hallmark - and the 544 offered surprisingly nimble handling and performance, too. The B18 Sport variant, as the name would suggest, offered a faster turn of speed and took the saloon into all-new, highly desirable territory.

Having spent most of its life stored in a Texas garage before being imported to the UK in 2014, this Volvo 544 has recently undergone a comprehensive mechanical restoration while retaining a characterful 'rat rod' appearance. It's a very engaging classic, and we think it'll garner plenty of interest at auction.

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History and Paperwork

First registered in 1962
Spent the majority of its 63-year life stored in a garage in Texas
Imported into the UK in 2014 but remained unregistered and in storage until recently
Purchased by the current owners approximately 6 months ago
UK registration has now been obtained
Currently taxed and road legal
MOT exempt

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The Condition

Features a distinctive "rat rod" appearance after removal of a poor 1980s respray to reveal original paintwork underneath
Interior appears in smart condition with new custom-made red carpets throughout
New dashboard has been installed
Black vinyl seats are in respectable condition for the vehicle's age
Door trims appear in age-appropriate condition
Chrome bumpers show pitting
Original lobster claw seat belts remain in good condition
Equipped with wider 65 slot wheels and chrome caps
Retains original 2-blade fan and radiator blind with chain
Features a working 1980s AM/FM cassette radio

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The Mechanics

1,800cc B18 straight-four engine
4-speed manual transmission
Comprehensive mechanical restoration in current ownership including:
- Complete new fuel system with new tank, pump, pipes and filter
- New rear wheel bearings, oil seals and fresh oil in the back axle
- Entirely new braking system including new rear drums, cylinders, shoes and fitting kit
- New brake pipes and flexi hoses throughout
- New front wheel cylinders, hoses and shoes
- New master cylinder
- Four new shock absorbers and track rods
- Complete new ignition system and water pump
- Fresh engine oil and filter
The vendor states it starts and drives well with lively performance
Original twin SU carburettors will need some attention
Brakes will require adjustment as they bed in

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.