VOLVO PV445/PV445 DUETT (1949-1960)
The PV445 was the bare chassis version of the PV444, but with a separate chassis frame instead of the 444 unitary construction. Its mechanical design and frontal appearance, however, were identical to the PV444 except for an additional bar in the grille.
From 1949 to 1953, the PV445 formed the base for pickups, vans, estate cars and a few beautiful convertibles. None of these were built by Volvo; rather, they were built by independent coachwork firms.
In 1953, the famous Duett (variant DH) was introduced, based on the PV445. This became legendary, and is the ancestor of today's exclusive, comfortable, safe and powerful Volvo estate cars.
MODEL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: PV 445 / PV 445 Duett
Variants: PV 445 A, chassis, PV 445 B, chassis, PV 445 Van, PV 445 Estate, PV 445 Passenger estate
Produced: 29,409
Body: Estate, delivery van, convertible
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves; 1,414 cc; 75x80 mm; 40 85 bhp or 1,583 cc; 79.37x80 mm; 60 bhp at 4,500 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed manual with floor-mounted gear lever.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2,600 mm.