Volvo PV444

The Volvo PV, which generically refers to two nearly identical automobile models (PV444 and PV544), boasted a production run from 1947 to 1965. While Volvo enjoyed a reputation for building fine automobiles from the beginning in 1927 with the ÖV 4, most of this marquee’s fans acknowledge that the defining moment determining Volvo’s reputation for building solid durable cars that were a delight to drive commenced with the PV444’s introduction.

During World War II’s early stages, Volvo decided that a new smaller car delivering good fuel economy would assure the company’s future. A raw materials shortage during the war drove home the point that an automobile should be smaller, and also complicated Volvo’s ability to mass-produce the product. In 1944, when the car was finally introduced to a car hungry public, response was very positive and orders poured in from the Swedish population. It was another three years though, in 1947, before the production was made available.

Noteworthy in Volvo history is that the PV444 was the company’s first unitary body design. It was also the first four-cylinder engined automobile from Volvo in almost 20 years. The first PV444s were endowed with a three main bearing, overhead valve, 1.4 litre engine of a stout design. Induction was courtesy of a single downdraft carburettor. This powerplant known as the B4B, was the model’s mainstay until late in 1955 when a slightly updated version appeared with twin side-draft carburettors. The displacement remained the same but now was fed by a pair of British manufacture SU’s carburettors — each with 1.5 inch bores. This brief engine production run was designated B14A.

By the 1957 model year, engine displacement was increased to 1.6 litres and was made available in both single downdraft (B16A) and twin side-draft carburettor (B16B) versions. Even ten years on, these engines owed much to their B4B origins and while not identical had much in common with their forebearers.

Fuel economy was quite above average (30 to 35 mpg) and performance particularly in the twin carburettor engined cars was brisk. The combination of performance and durability won over many two-seat sports car drivers, allowing them a pleasurable drive in the entire family’s company if desired.