Basic information and history

The Volvo PV544C Sport from model year 1961 combines the classic pontoon body with a more fun-to-drive specification. The Sport version gave the model a more alert appearance and a clearly refined overall look. The C-series involved continuous detailed improvements in the interior, instrumentation and chassis, and has long been appreciated by drivers who want to use the car regularly.

This example is Swedish-sold. The car was newly delivered in July 1962 by the Volvo dealer Bil & Traktor in Boden to mechanic Svanborg in Budbbyn. It remained in Norrbotten until its current residence in Mellbystrand. The history is unusually well-coordinated: when the car changed hands in 1988, the then owner wrote a handwritten letter of inquiry to the first owner with nine questions. The answers are preserved and come with the car, which provides a nice insight into the early years. Then Gunnar in Kiruna took over in 2011 and initiated the renovation that is visible today. The current owner's father bought the car the following year and completed the work. The latest registered inspection is dated 2018-05-02. Registration number according to the seller is BHF158.

The odometer reading is 6,054 kilometers. The seller describes the car as ready to drive, representative and well-known within the PV club.

Equipment and options

• Color Cherry Red 46
• Sport version, original power reportedly ninety horsepower
• Tachometer (retrofitted)
• Extras: bumpers, rims and steering wheel according to the seller
• Removable towbar to maneuver the trailer in the event of a collision

Modifications and improvements

According to the engine number, it is currently a late B18 generation 2 from Volvo 144S, originally specified at 115 horsepower. It is unclear whether it has a C-camshaft. The exhaust manifold is of the 4-2-1 type. A B20 cylinder head is fitted, with more efficient valves. The seller points out that this could also indicate drilling to two liters. Overall, the specification speaks for higher power than the original model's ninety horsepower. On the exterior there are extra decorative details and a removable towbar. The body has been repainted in Cherry Red 46.

Condition

Body and exterior condition

The body has been repainted. A previous owner had the car repainted in the original color Cherry Red 46 with the ambition to match the factory paint thickness. The car is said to have several extra decorations, including bumpers, rims and steering wheel. Glass is said to be in very good condition. The condition of the chrome, moldings, headlight lenses and emblems is not particularly described by the seller beyond the overall impression.

Interior

The interior is described as being in new condition. It is personally decorated with pillows, soft toys and carpets. Steering wheel and tachometer in a personal style. The headliner is said to be very nice. Rubber mats are intact, clean and stylish. Steering wheel, controls and buttons are considered to be completely ok.

Tires and rims

The tires are said to be in new condition. The rims are described as part of the car's extra decorations.

Mechanics and function

The drivetrain is said to be working well. The gearbox shifts nicely and runs quietly according to the seller. Brakes are described as perfect. The engine is reportedly a late B18 with a B20 top and 4-2-1 manifold, possibly drilled to two liters. The configuration suggests higher power than original, but the exact specification has not been determined. The car is ready to drive and was last inspected on 2018-05-02.

Service history

The service book is stated to be completed according to the manufacturer's intervals. The seller states that all service documents are in the car, as well as previous protocols, history and receipts.

The written correspondence between the first and later owners is still there and is included, providing documentation of the car's early life. Repainting has been carried out and described by the seller. The driveline upgrade to B18 with B20 cylinder head is reported in text, and the seller says that the supporting documentation should be included.

Summary

A Swedish-sold Volvo PV544C Sport from the 1961 model year in Cherry Red 46, with documented ownership and preserved correspondence from the early years. The body has been repainted with a focus on the original design, the interior is said to be in new condition with a personal touch. The upgraded engine with B18 base, B20 cylinder head and 4-2-1 manifold gives the car more power resources than the original model, which contributes to driving pleasure and usability in today's traffic. The car is said to be ready to drive, known in the PV club and ready for continued meeting life.