This 1957 Volvo PV444 was acquired by the seller 23 years ago out of a field and subsequently modified with the intention of entering the La Carrera Panamericana. The car is finished in red over a two-tone red and tan interior, and power comes from a 2,166cc B20 inline-four mated to a four-speed M41 manual transmission with overdrive. Modifications include Volvo 142 suspension and brakes, dual Weber carburetors, and more. This PV444 is now offered with a clean Oregon title in the seller’s name.
Introduced in 1943 and produced until 1958, the PV444 was Volvo’s first unibody car. This example was originally finished in black and was repainted in red during the seller’s refurbishment. The trunk and passenger compartment floors were both replaced due to corrosion, and the seller states additional corrosion bubbles appear on the doors. The lighting is comprised of Cibie lights including H4 headlamps, Iode 45 yellow spots, and Tango foglights. The condition of the paint and trim is shown up close in the gallery below.
The front and rear disc brakes, suspension, steering, and front crossmember were sourced from a Volvo 142. Additional suspension modifications include 450 lb/in front springs, Lesjofors rear springs, Bilstein shocks, an IPD front sway bar, stainless steel brake lines, and urethane bushings throughout. A set of black 15″ six-spoke wheels are mounted with Falken ZE912 tires sized 205/60 all around. The seller reports the car is not equipped with a parking brake.
The cabin features red and white upholstery on the passenger seat, rear bench, and door panels. A black bucket seat for the driver has been fitted and a factory driver’s seat is included in the sale.
Driver controls feature a Volvo 122 pedal box, hydraulic clutch, and dual brake master cylinder with a front/rear bias valve. A Terratrip 303 Plus rally computer is mounted in front of the passenger seat. Hella air horns were fitted and the odometer shows approximately 89k miles. Total mileage is unknown.
A modified 2,166cc B20 inline-four was installed by the seller just over a year ago and features a ported head, forged pistons, Schneider 284 camshaft, steel timing gears, and lightened rods. Additional modifications include dual-sidedraft Weber carburetors with no choke cable, along with a Crane Cams ignition box and coil. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed M41 manual transmission with overdrive.
A fuel cell, custom exhaust, and the factory rear suspension are shown above. Additional underbody images can be found in the gallery below.