Volvo PV 544 Sport “VHC Preparation” 1962 — 90,000 KM

• Complete restoration in 2015
• HCV preparation
• Eligible Historic Rallies

Our Volvo PV 544 Sport was put into circulation on July 12, 1962. Its history from the years 1962 to 2010 is uncertain to be communicated, so this model retains a certain amount of mystery about its origin. It was picked up by Autoretrosport in 2015 in Belgium to be prepared for its current owner. It is imported into France after preparation.

This example is in excellent general condition, both mechanical and aesthetic. The complete restoration carried out in 2015 and the addition of numerous mechanical and aesthetic elements ensure perfect functioning and good presentation. In a red color, combined with 5.5” gray wheels, numerous chromes, two retro-style Cibié lights, a black sports steering wheel, two gray sliding bucket seats and black roll bars, this example is unique in its kind. The driver's bucket seat has a lack of presentation.

Mechanically, this copy works perfectly. In particular, it benefited from a renovation of the gearbox and the rear axle, the addition of an electric fan and a new radiator, the installation of 4 Bilstein shock absorbers, silent blocks and more. The B18 engine, originally offering 90 horsepower, is improved in particular thanks to Weber 45 carburettors, to develop 130 horsepower. It is combined with the 4-speed manual gearbox. An expert report and invoices following the restoration are available. The last revision was carried out in November 2023 at Atelier Classic Auto. This car is ready to receive its Historical Technical Passport to participate in regular rallies.

Here is the equipment added during the HCV preparation:

• Weber 45 carburettors
• Sport exhaust
• Oil radiator
• New electric fan and radiator
• New electrical wiring
• Sport steering wheel
• Sliding bucket seats
• Homologated headband
• Harness
• Pressure gauges
• Brantz 2
• Bilstein shock absorbers and sport springs
• AV and AR polyurethane silentblocks
• AV disc brakes
• Cibié additional lights
• 5.5” wide rims

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At the Volvo Grand Salon organized in September 1944, the Swedish brand presented a promising new model, the PV 444. Very attractive because of its price, in line with the previous OV4 in 1927, the PV444 is attracting a lot of interest thanks to its excellent construction and its innovations. The Volvo PV444 is the first model of the brand to be equipped with a self-supporting body integrating the chassis. It is also equipped with a laminated glass windshield, a great innovation for safety. The design is strongly influenced by American designs with rounded curves and numerous chromes. The engine was then a 4-cylinder engine ranging from 40 to 85 horsepower, combined with a 3-speed gearbox. Economist Assar Gabrielsson's forecast, which was fairly accurate in normal times, was then 8,000 models sold (revised to 12,000 models). His prediction will undoubtedly be the most flawed of his career, with more than 200,000 copies of the PV 444 being produced. The huge success of the PV 444 confirmed the efficiency of the model, a sign for Volvo to produce a new version, the PV 544.

The chassis of the 544 was the same as that of its predecessor, but this 5-seat model (hence its name) had a large, one-piece windshield. It also benefits from a padded dashboard, a new secure steering column and a new rear cabin. It comes in 4 versions, namely the Standard, the Special 1, Special 2 and the Sport. Produced from 1958 to 1965, the PV 544 was available in numerous years, from A to G. The first few years were equipped with M30 3-speed or M40 4-speed gearboxes. In 1959, the A vintage was equipped with the 3-stage B16B engine developing 60 hp in the basic version, but increased to 85 hp with two Stromberg carburetors in its Sport version. Major changes were seen from 1961 with the C vintage. A new engine, the B18, was adopted, with a 5-stage crankshaft. This new engine offers no less than 75 horsepower and 90 horsepower in its Sport version. The PV544's electricity is switched to 12 volts, and the speedometer is now graded up to 180 km/h. Aesthetically, a B18 logo appears on the radiator grill and on the right rear of the trunk.

In addition to its civilian career, the PV 544 is also a real sports car, especially in rallies. Its “sport” version with two SU carburettors was particularly effective. The factory engaged several PV 544s with the B18 engine pushed to 130 and 140 horsepower, thanks in particular to the adoption of a camshaft increasing valve lift, a higher compression ratio, a 4-in-1 exhaust and the adoption of two Solex or Weber carburetors. She won a few races from 1959 to 1965, such as the 1000 Lakes Rally, the Sweden Rally or the East African Safari Rally.

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