Volvo PV 444 & PV544 (1947 – 1965)
As a herald of hope for peace and better times, in September 1944 Volvo presented the PV444 at a large Volvo exhibition in Stockholm. The price was very attractive - 4,800 Swedish kronor, the same as the ÖV4, Volvo's first car, cost in 1927.
American styling influenced the appearance of the 444. This car was the first Volvo to have a unitary body without a separate frame. It was also equipped with a laminated windscreen, an important new safety innovation. Interest was enormous and the original planned production figure of 8,000 cars became almost 200,000 before the PV444 became the PV544. The 444 was the first small Volvo car and the one that really set car production at Volvo moving.
In August 1958, the Volvo PV544, the more modern successor to the PV444, was introduced. The changes were the most extensive since the PV444 had been presented in 1944.
The body was given a larger, one-piece windscreen together and a larger rear window to improve visibility. The interior featured a new dashboard with a padded upper half to improve interior safety. The speedometer was of the "thermometer" type; a red strip showed the speed. The rear seat was remodelled to improve the level of comfort and provide space for an additional person compared to its predecessor, the PV444, hence the 5 in the model designation.
In technical terms, this model was also updated. The Volvo PV444 was (apart from in North America) only available with one engine alternative. With the arrival of the PV544, a second version was added. A 4-speed manual gearbox was also offered for the first time.
MODEL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: PV444
Produced: 196,005
Body: 2-door saloon
Engine: In-line, 4-cylinder: 1,414 or 1,583 cc, 40-85 bhp.
Transmission: 3-speed with floor-mounted gear lever.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2,600 mm.
Model: PV 544
Variants: Special I, II and Sport
Produced: 243,990
Body: 2-door saloon
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,583 cc, 79.37 x 80 mm, 60 bhp at 4,500 rpm or 85 bhp at 3,500 rpm. 1961: 1,778 cc, 75 bhp at 4,500 rpm or 90 bhp at 5,000 rpm, later increased to 95 bhp
Transmission: 3 or 4-speed manual, floor mounted gear lever
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels.
