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The Volvo PV is a series of two door four passenger car models The PV444 and the PV544 made by Volvo from 1947 to 1966. During World War II’s early stages Volvo decided that a new car, smaller car that could deliver good fuel economy would assure the companies future. A raw material shortage during the war period complicated Volvos ability to mass produce the product. It wasn’t until 1944 that Volvo was able to show the vehicle at a major

show in Stockholm public response was very positive and orders poured in from the Swedish population it was another three years until series production began in 1947.

The PV quickly earned a reputation for being strong and rugged although the design was considered outdated from early on the PV also completed successfully in rallies and in particular with a second hand PV544 memorably winning the Safari rally in 1965.

The PV was Volvos first uni body car it was also the first Volvo in almost 20 years to come with a four-cylinder engine. The first PV444’s were powered by a 40 PS 1.4 L in-line four engine designated the B4B. By October 1955 the engine size was increased to 51PS for European models. Early 1956 USA received a uprated version called the B14A which was given a twin side draft carburettor having a total output of 70 HP.

By the 1957 model year the engine displacement was increased to a 1.6 L and both single downdraught B16A and twin side draft carburettors B16B versions were offered.

In 1958 PV544 was phased in. Subtle differences with the PV444 included the introduction of the curved one piece windscreen to replace the two panes of flat glass, larger taillights and a ribbon speedometer. The PV444’s 3 speed manual transmission was supplemented by a four-speed in the 544.

The next significant change occurred in 1962 when the B16 was replaced by Volvos new B18 engine initially developed for the P1800 sports car introduced the previous year this 1.8 L engine and five main bearings. Again single and twin carburettor versions were offered, designated B18A and B18B, respectively.

All PV models up to 1962 had a 6Volt system at this point Volvo changed to 12Volt.

Volvo also made PV544 as an estate (wagon) version, the duet initially designated the P445 and later the P210. Volvo ended production of the PV series in 1965 440,000 units had been produced in an 18 year run.

Article supplied by Roger Parish

Volvo PV Series History