Basic information and history

The Volvo PV 444 is the model that set the Swedish post-war era in motion and became an icon for its durability, easy service and good roadholding. The 1953 model year belongs to the mature part of the 444 series with a self-supporting body, classic two-door lines and the robust four-cylinder overhead valve engine that gave the model a good reputation in everyday traffic and historic motorsport.

This example is a Volvo PV 444 DS from 1953. The odometer reading is stated by the seller to be 3,045 km . According to the seller, the body is completely free of rust and has not been rust-repaired prior to painting. The car is described as being in original condition in terms of sheet metal and mechanics with the exception of the paint. The engine has not been refurbished but has been checked by replacing the head gaskets and checking the cylinders. Previous ownership is not reported in detail, but the seller states that the previous owner is a car painter and the one who carried out the paint renovation.

The paint was repainted in the early 2000s in a darker maroon color with seven layers of clear coat , which deviates from the original specification. The brakes were renovated in 2004 by Volvo in Falun in connection with the preparation of the car. There is documentation from the renovation in 2004 onwards. As a curiosity, the seller mentions that the felt gasket between the engine and driveline can be replaced with advantage, as a small drop of oil can occur when the engine gets hot. This is described as typical for PV examples that are driven sparingly.

Specification

• Four-cylinder overhead valve engine
• 3-speed manual transmission
• Mechanical drum brakes all around
• White tire sides
• Complete glasses, headlight lenses and emblems
• Chrome details in very good condition according to the seller.
• Repaint in darker maroon red with seven coats of clear coat
• Documentation from renovation and preparation from 2004

Modifications and improvements: Repaint carried out in the early 2000s without prior rust repair or sheet metal replacement according to the seller. Brake system renovated in 2004 by Volvo in Falun. The engine is not completely refurbished but has received new head gaskets and the cylinders have been checked. Oil change was carried out in 2024 by the current owner. Note that the felt gasket between the engine and driveline can be replaced to eliminate a minor oil leak when the engine is warm.

Condition

Body and exterior: According to the seller, the body is rust-free and not rust-repaired before painting. The paint is described as being in top condition with a darker maroon color and seven coats of clear coat. All windows are stated to be in good condition without scratches or stone chips. The chrome, moldings, headlight lenses and emblems are considered to be very fine.

Interior: The seller describes the interior as being in absolutely top condition. The headliner is without any complaints. The steering wheel, controls and buttons work and have no noted flaws.

Tires and rims: Tires in very good condition with white sides. Rims painted in the car's color with snobbery rings and chrome hubcaps are without any complaints.

Mechanics and function: The engine is in good condition according to the seller. It has not been refurbished but has had new head gaskets and the cylinders have been checked. The gearbox and clutch work perfectly without any noise. The brakes were renovated in 2004 and provide the expected function for the model. The seller notes a small drop of oil from the felt gasket between the engine and driveline when the engine is warm. Other functions are said to work as they should.

Service history

According to the seller, there is full documentation from 2004 when the car was painted and prepared. The brakes were renovated the same year by Volvo in Falun. The last service was carried out in 2024 with an oil change by the current owner. Previous measures include replacing the head gaskets and checking the cylinders. Receipts and documentation are said to accompany the car from the renovation in 2004.

The car is exempt from inspection.

Summary

An elegant and well-kept Volvo PV 444 DS from 1953 with a high finish on the exterior, a very nice interior and a good technical impression according to the seller. The car has been repainted in a darker maroon color with seven layers of clear coat which gives a deep shine, the brakes have been renovated by Volvo in Falun and there is a documented history from 2004. Minor oil drips when the engine is warm can be remedied by replacing the felt gasket. For the knowledgeable enthusiast looking for an early PV 444 in well-kept condition, this example offers an attractive whole with a documented review and classic character.