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The spotted specimen

In Hoorn we saw this beautiful 1953 Volvo PV444, which has been in the Netherlands since 1999. The current owner has owned it since 2010, which is secretly quite some time. The RDW gives no further information about the specific version of this example. About the engine, for example, it only mentions that it is a four-cylinder gasoline engine, but all PV444s had that. Apart from a few spots that we will not complain about, the Volvo still looks nice and original. What is noticeable is that the bumpers are missing. Perhaps deliberately, for a sportier look?

The Volvo P444

During World War II, several car manufacturers were struggling. Not only are there material shortages, but potential car buyers have other things on their minds. However, the need for mobility remained. Until then, Volvo had mainly focused on the luxury segment, but there was little demand for such cars. With a new, smaller and economical model, the brand could secure its future again.

In 1944, that new car is presented: the Volvo PV444. By now the need for affordable new cars was great and the Volvo was received with great enthusiasm. Orders poured in, but partly due to material shortages it would take until 1947 before production really got going.

Engineering of the Volvo PV444

Although the design was considered somewhat dated when introduced, the Volvo PV444 is certainly a modern car for the brand. For example, it is the first Volvo with self-supporting bodywork. Up front is a brand new 1.4-liter four-cylinder, marking the first time in 20 years that Volvo has delivered a model with something other than a six-in-line. A three-speed manual transmission drives the rear wheels.

In 1953 a body variant was added, a two-door station wagon. However, it was positioned as a separate model under the name Volvo Duett. In the years following its introduction, the engine power was gradually increased. In 1957, the engine capacity is also increased, to 1.6 liters. Soon the Volvo PV444 builds a reputation as a reliable and robust car. In the years after the war, it also won several rallies.

Volvo PV444 becomes PV544

In 1958, the Volvo PV444 was thoroughly updated. Today we would call it a facelift. The front, which previously consisted of two pieces of flat glass, is replaced by a modern curved one-piece window. Furthermore, the car gets a different grille, larger taillights. Inside, a slightly modified instrument cluster can be found, but above all, the car now offers space for five instead of four occupants. On the technical side, the transmission received an additional gear. Because of the many changes, the type name also changed, from PV444 to PV544. Another somewhat larger change followed in 1962, with the introduction of a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder.

Succession for the Volvo PV544

At the end of 1965, the career of the popular Volvo PV444/PV544 came to an end. However, the last examples are still sold in 1966. There is actually no direct successor, but the car we know as the Volvo Amazon does take over indirectly. However, the Amazon had been delivered alongside the PV444 since 1956. Station wagon version Duett was allowed to continue through 1960, only to be succeeded by the station wagon versions of both the Amazon and the 140 series.