BUYING GUIDE (1958-1965)
As this Swedish classic celebrates its 65th birthday, we have everything that you need to know when it comes to bagging your very own PV544
Although never officially imported to the UK – so all are left-hand-drive – this Volvo certainly would have appealed to those looking for a family car with a difference. Launched in August 1958 as a replacement for the PV444, the new model delivered several new features from a single-piece windscreen and larger rear window to improved safety thanks to a padded dashboard. It also sat five (hence the name) and provided buyers with a wider choice of power outputs and a four-speed gearbox.
Big, spacious and boasting a reassuring sense of sturdiness, it was excellent family transport but its rugged construction made it handy for rallying, too. So much so, in fact, that it took overall victory on the RAC Rally in 1963 and 1964. There were improvements for the standard model before that, though,with 1961 seeing the addition of the long-lived B18 engine in 75bhp and 90bhp guises, the latter with twin carburettors. The more powerful version was a lively performer, and you’d have no trouble keeping up with traffic even today.
The big saloon benefitted from a flurry of further updates over the following years – although the majority of these were of the detail variety – and production ended in 1965 after a total of 243,990 had been built.
Those attributes of safety and solidity still make for a tempting purchase almost 60 years later and finding one isn’t too difficult if you’re prepared to widen your search to overseas markets.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
It won’t take long to establish the condition of trim and fittings. It’s all pretty hard-wearing and getting hold of replacement seat covers and carpets is easy enough if a refresh is on the cards.
Previous re-trims may have affected originality, though, which may or may not matter to you. There’s not much in the way of electrical complication so just spend time satisfying yourself that the wiring and switchgear are in order.
The update in 1961 saw the use of 12-volt electrics, but owners tell us that the six-volt system works well enough if it’s in good condition.
These cars’ reputation for robust construction is well-deserved but you’ll still want to give the exterior panels a thorough check. Door bottoms, around the headlights and the edges of the bonnet and boot are obvious places to check, along with the front and rear wings and wheel arches. The good news is that companies in the UK and Europe can supply a wide range of replacement panels and repair sections and while some are a bit pricey – budget more than £700 each for front wings if yo
