1964 Volvo Pv544 Sport, Great Running Classic Vintage Sports Car on 2040-cars

Volvo PV544 Sport, 1964

Very clean car, mostly rebuilt, ideal for daily or low key show use

Long before BMWs and Mercedes were sold as ‘performance’ sedans, the Volvo PV444 and 544 were one of THE sports sedans for those who wanted a sports car but had kids and the need for a roomy, dependable car.

Esthetically, copied from a 1941 American Ford Coupe, these cars were created during WWII and released to the public in 1947.  And by the early 1960s, with the more powerful 1.8 liter B18 engine, twin SU carbs, and 4 speed transmission, they were ideal for fast road or race use.  And this ‘Sport’ model even had a front sway bar.

If you are unaware of the engineering that went into these cars, one look under the back will show why they go so well….unlike the leaf springs and lever shocks of a period English sports car, the PV has coil springs, a lateral Panhard bar, trailing arms, and tube shocks.  And the B18 engine was half of a heavy duty truck V8, with five main bearings, gear drive cam, eight port head, and unbreakable components; may look like a period MG or Triumph engine but is twice as strong and far more reliable. 

This car:  came from a collection in Florida…..floor pan looks great as does the body and exterior….chrome is quite nice as is paint quality and fit, interior appears to be all new, including the headliner.  A compression test showed 150-155 psi in every cylinder, zero smoke, and the oil pressure light goes out instantly and stays out.   Hard to imagine it was any better when the car was brand new.

Engine is smooth and offers lively performance, clutch and transmission work well, front end and steering feel very tight, and it has the best braking of any PV I have ever driven. 

Has its original Volvo Fm radio (and it works) but I secretly hid a modern Sony stereo/CD with USB input in the glove box.  Also added a back up solid state fuel pump for extra reliability.

Trunk is spotless, exhaust is quiet, radial tires appear to be nearly new, heater works well, has seat belts, and if you don’t deceive yourself into thinking we are  suggesting this car is ready for the Pebble Beach concours, it would be fine being displayed at most any low key show.

However, far more fun is driving it.  Will cruise all day at 60,70, or 80 mph, is wicked fun on a twisty back road where it handles better than most contemporary sports cars, is quiet, refined, comfortable, and seats four WITH plenty of luggage.  All in all, quite a car for one that is (gosh!) fifty years old.

And, I suppose, because of its pre WWII ‘look,’ it gets more attention in Supermarket parking lots than cars costing ten times as much.  Parts are readily available and not very expensive, this Volvo (while light) has the ‘feel’ of incredibly solid construction (a monocoque body/chassis helps), and makes for a dandy collectors/use car.

We have tried our best to describe this car via test results, photos, and an accurate description.  As  with any fifty year old car, there is no guarantee or warrantee and the car is being sold ‘as is and where is.’  We require contact with the buyer within 24 hours, a deposit or full payment within 3 days and conclusion of the transaction within 7 days.  We can store the car for as long as you wish and can assist with transport anywhere in the world.