When the Volvo PV544 was released in 1958, it had the styling of a much older car, but the latest technology of the day. These cars came to be know for their reliability and they even had considerable success in various types of racing. This 1965 Volvo PV544 Sport is in excellent condition and can be found in Reese, MI or on eBay with a starting bid of $3,050.
The seller claims this 544 is in completely original condition, we can’t say whether it is or not, but it sure looks great. The paint and chrome work are starting to show their age, but are very presentable. The current owner recently had the engine rebuilt and has only put 600 miles on it since the rebuild. This car is equipped with the 1.8 liter B18 4-cylinder engine and as a sport model should have dual carbs. This setup is good for around 100 hp, which should push this 2,800 pound car around quite nicely.
The interior looks good, but the carpets look like they need replacing. It also appears that the dash pad is starting to pull up along the windshield, but that shouldn’t be too difficult to fix. The seats look great and we love the red on black color scheme. We would check the floors for rust, but these cars usually don’t have too many rust problems.
If you are looking for something that is reliable, easy to drive, fun, and unique, this Volvo might be the car for you. This car is ready to drive and be enjoyed right now, and that’s exactly what we would do with it. These cars make for great vintage race cars, but this one is in such great condition that we would hate to see this car used for racing, although we might be tempted to use it for time-speed-distance rallying.
My dad had one of these around 1960 or so. I was only 5 or 6 years old, so I don’t remember much about it, but its still a pretty cool looking car and I wouldn’t mind owning one
I bought it and just found this add today. I have had it for a year and a month. It runs great after I rebuilt the carbs, fuel pump. tank draining, rebuilt the brakes, flush the coolant , points and plugs etc. I still need to rebuild the bushings all around, but it stays on the road well and I have driven it at 70mph on the highway. Soon the new dash and headliner will be in and I will try to keep its originality from deteriorating any further.
I had a close look at a 1963 model today. It has been sitting outside in the Pacific Rain Forest climate for at least 11 years. No rust perforation, however the rear floorboards are wet. I am not sure what to offer. Chrome is good, no actual body rust, panels all intact.
Someone said on this site that they did not look at the floorboards as they are not known to rust.. As a matter of fact, that’s the first thing to look at! I had one in 1976, and had to use chicken wire and fibreglass to repair the floor, which was sagging through due to rust!
How did you make out with your purchase (I notice 2012) but am hopeful of a reply.
Regards,
Ken Cruise
Ken – I have a 1958 Volvo PV444 that I am resto-modding . 3.4 Camaro V6 /4L60E drivetrain, new front crossmember / suspension with disc brakes. I have been gathering the parts over a period of about 10 years.
If I were just starting now, I would probably go with a Buick / Rover aluminum V8, due to higher availability of parts. The weight of the original car was 2070 lbs with 8 gallons of gas, so a big heavy cast iron V8 would ruin the handling and create unnecessary stress on the chassis- no need for more power than you can put to the pavement.
Body parts ranging from fenders to patch panels, and many, many other parts, including all the weather seals are available here-
http://www.ClassicVolvoRestorations.com
The owner is a pilot who runs the operation from Stockholm and has a warehouse in South Carolina. His prices are good, and service is excellent.
Ken – I have a 1958 Volvo PV444 that I am resto-modding . 3.4 Camaro V6 /4L60E drivetrain, new front crossmember / suspension with disc brakes. I have been gathering the parts over a period of about 10 years.
If I were just starting now, I would probably go with a Buick / Rover aluminum V8, due to higher availability of parts. The weight of the original car was 2070 lbs with 8 gallons of gas, so a big heavy cast iron V8 would ruin the handling and create unnecessary stress on the chassis- no need for more power than you can put to the pavement.
Body parts ranging from fenders to patch panels, and many, many other parts, including all the weather seals, for most older Volvos are available here-
http://www.ClassicVolvoRestorations.com
The owner is a pilot who runs the operation from Stockholm and has a warehouse in South Carolina. His prices are good, and service is excellent.
Why does a car found in Michigan have California plates on it saying BONGIE1?
It came from Calif to Michigan and was stored in a barn from 1992…because BONGIE must have owned it! I drove it for the day yesterday as I often do weather permitting . It has 110 dings and dents everywhere , but the paint is original and polished up is great. Everything ads to its character. Better liked than a Ferrari!
I always wanted a Volvo PV544, when I was a kid a looked like baby 1947 Ford. Back then I wanted to put a warmed up 53 Merc in one now maybe warmed up 302.
Interesting comment, Tim!
I had a 1962 PV544 in 1975-76. It had plenty of go. Finding one with the B18B engine would give you 95 horsepower in stock form, with twin SU carburetors. Some people would run Weber carburetors and add anti-sway bars, updated tires, disc brakes and shocks for fun performance. I have seen online examples with big V8s and even one with fully electric power. My own belief is keep what is good, that is the power and handling within its design parameters, and they will look sharp and be a lot of fun. Save the 53 Merc for a Ford coupe — together they make a beautiful car. Just open the hood on one with finned heads and chrome bolts and you will see what I mean!
1 had a beautiful 64 PV544 when I was 18. One of my favorite all-time cars. It was the original jet black enamel that was hard as a rock. I’m looking for my next PV at age 71. I’m in California and hope to find a jewel.