Volvo PV 444. 1947–58 (prod. 196,005). 2-door saloon. F/R, 1414, 1583 cm³ (I4 OHV). Volvo’s first unibody car, with high performance from its four-cylinder engines, reaching a genuine 80 mph. Prototypes from 1944, series production from 1947. Styling possibly inspired by an earlier Pontiac. Excellent handling, suspension, steering and brakes for the era; well designed and logical interior. Poor rear visibility and seats on the firm side. Larger windscreen in 1954, with single-piece glass at rear. Higher-compression engine from September 1955 (PV 444H), larger engine from Amazon in January 1957.

Manufacturing location: Sweden

Marque: Volvo | Successor: Volvo PV 544

q.v. Volvo PV 445

Off-site link

• The Volvo Owners’ Club: ‘Profile on the Volvo PV’