Basic information and history

Volvo PV444 is in many ways the car that kickstarted Swedish motoring for the masses. When the model was presented at Kungliga Tennishallen in 1944, it was technically advanced for its time with a unibody construction, an overhead-valve four-cylinder engine and a laminated windscreen as standard. Production did not begin until 1947, and the model was then developed successively through a long series of letter-designated versions.

PV444E belongs to the early 1950s series and was built during 1953 and 1954. Under the bonnet sits the 1.4-litre four-cylinder four-stroke, a naturally aspirated engine with overhead valves, mated to a three-speed gearbox. The split windscreen, the separate rear fenders and the characteristic roofline make early PV444s instantly recognisable, and the E-series in particular is today considerably rarer in original condition than the later 444 and 544 models.

This example was sold new in Sweden and was delivered new to Hyltebruk on 5 October 1953. The car has since remained within the same family across three generations: the son inherited it in April 1977 and in turn passed it on to his son on 21 June 2004. In total three owners are listed, all within the same family. The odometer shows 82,000 km, but this cannot be guaranteed by the seller. The car is said to be in original condition and is believed never to have been repainted.

The car comes with all keys for the ignition, doors and boot lid, which is unusual for a car of this age.

Equipment and options

• Original bicycle rack
• Wheel wrench (rim cross)
• Jack
• Original spare wheel
• Original owner's manual
• All keys for ignition, doors and boot lid

The car is said to be in original condition with no modifications.

The car received a complete overhaul in 2021 by Alpa El och Fordonsservice at a total cost of SEK 65,000 (see receipts):

• Complete brake overhaul (hoses, fluids, brake bands, brake lines and master cylinder)
• Replacement of wheel cylinders
• Replacement of exhaust system with mounts
• Replacement of thermostat and gaskets
• Oil change in engine, gearbox and rear axle
• Overhaul of air cleaner
• New radiator and vacuum hoses
• Replacement of fuel gauge sender unit
• Valve inspection
• Repainting of valve cover
• Replacement of fuel cap + seal
• Replacement of spark plugs
• Repair of ignition lock
• Cleaning of fuse box and replacement of fuses
• Replacement of air hose to defroster
• Overhaul of idler arm
• Full lubrication of steering
• New mud flaps and mounts front and rear
• Replacement of rear axle straps
• Carburettor cleaning
• Replacement of brake light switch
• Replacement of wiper blades
• Replacement of turn signal relay and repair of wiring
• Replacement of fan belt
• Repair of generator mount
• Replacement of engine mounts
• New bushings for propshaft bearing carrier
• Wheel alignment

Condition

Exterior: The paint is believed to be original and carries the patina that comes from just over seven decades. The body has a few minor dents here and there, including a larger tear and dent on the passenger door, as well as surface rust in areas where the paint has come off. The glass is described as being in good condition.

Interior: The interior is described as being in good condition, as are the instrument panel and headliner. The seatbelts function and the instrument panel is free of warning lights. The trip meter works.

Tyres and wheels: Wheels and hubcaps in good condition. New tyres.

Mechanics and function: The engine is described as being in good condition and starts and runs faultlessly. It has recently been fully overhauled by Alfa EL. The gearbox shifts, according to the seller, without issue and the clutch functions. The brakes are also said to be in good condition. The car is drivable as it stands and has passed inspection, most recently inspected on 20 October 2021.

Service history

There is no complete, documented service history with receipts. However, it has relatively recently undergone a full overhaul by Alpa El och Fordonsservice, who went through the engine and drivetrain. Receipts from this overhaul are enclosed. The car also comes with the original owner's manual.

Summary

A 1953 Volvo PV444E with an unusually coherent history: sold new in Sweden to Hyltebruk in the autumn of 1953 and since then kept within the same family across three generations. The car is presented in original condition with what is believed to be the original paint, a complete set of keys, and accessories such as a bicycle rack, wheel wrench, spare wheel and owner's manual.

The body has dents and surface rust in a few places, while the interior, glass, and tyres and wheels are described as being in good condition. The engine and drivetrain have been overhauled with receipts to support this, and the car is drivable and has passed inspection.

An interesting object for anyone wishing to preserve a piece of Swedish Volvo history rather than restore it away.