1960 Volvo PV544

Volvo's first unitary body design was applied to their PV model. It was also the first four-cylinder engined automobile in nearly two decades. The original PV 444s were given an overhead valve design for its 1.4-liter engine. By 1957, the engine displacement was increased to 1.6 liters and was available in both single downdraft and twin side-draft carburetor versions.

A more modern version of the PV 444 was introduced in August of 1958. They had a larger body, a convex windscreen, and a large rear window. The interior featured a new dashboard with a padded upper half to improve interior safety. The rear seat was re-designed for improved passenger comfort and to provide space for an additional person. In its instrument cluster was a speedometer of 'thermometer' type with a red strip that displayed the speed.

The 544A was produced from August 1950 to August 1960. It was manufactured in four versions for its domestic Swedish market including the Standard, Special II, Special I, and the Sport. The Special and the Sport were given a four-speed transmission, while the Sport came with a B16B engine. In the United States, the Sport was also fitted with the B16B engine, twin side-draft carburetors, and a four-speed transmission.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2019