1957 Volvo PV444

Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia Auction|7 October 2019, 13:00 EDT|Philadelphia, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

1957 Volvo PV444
Chassis no. 148924
Engine no. 18913

1,584cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Zenith Downdraft Carburetor
66bhp at 4,500 RPM
3-Speed Manual Gearbox
Independent Front Suspension with Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Rare Swedish model
*Believed low, original mileage
*Cloth seats and single Zenith carburetor
*Try to find another

MOTORCAR OFFERED

After the war Volvo seized upon the opportunities of the time to introduce the PV444, a smaller car that blended Swedish practicality with American styling. ["PV" stands for the Swedish "personvagen"]. Although material shortages complicated Volvo's ability to mass produce its new model, orders from a car-hungry public poured in and three years later in 1947, series production began. The PV would come complete with an OHV 4-cylinder, semi-elliptical leaf spring live rear axle, independent front suspension with coil springs and a rigid unibody structure would go on to make the 444 popular throughout the world.

Chassis 148924, having been first registered in Sweden when new, purportedly was imported into the United States by Joe Lazenby sometime in the 1980s. Joe, a regional Volvo parts specialist, would own the PV before passing the ownership to Pennsylvania collector Jebbs Hill who would go on to keep the car up until late-summer 2007. Presented today is a car that is remarkably sound and solid for a near 40-year life in the Northeast. The odometer showed 91,957 kilometers at the time of cataloging, which is entirely consistent with the car's condition today. The interior, cloth throughout – even with some wear on the driver seat – is surprisingly good. The paint, which appears to have been repainted not long ago, is indeed its original shade of white. The engine compartment is complete with its rare, Zenith single downdraft carburetor which leaves the motor running strong.

Having earned itself a reputation for solid reliability, this wonderful example of Volvo's first unibody motorcar is a perfect entry into sensible Swedish motoring.

Saleroom notices

Please note, this vehicle has been withdrawn.

Additional information

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