Volvo PV444
Produced from 1946 to 1958
The Volvo PV 444, often simply referred to as the “PV,” is a Swedish passenger car manufactured by Volvo from 1944 to 1957. It played a significant role in establishing Volvo as a successful car manufacturer.
Background and Development: During World War II’s early stages, Volvo decided to create a new smaller car. The goal was to produce an affordable, fuel-efficient vehicle that would appeal to both the Swedish public and international markets after the war. The PV 444 was conceived by a team of around forty Volvo employees, including Helmer Petterson, who had experience in the United States. The raw materials shortage during the war emphasized the need for smaller automobiles and complicated Volvo’s mass-production efforts.
Design and Features: The PV 444’s design drew inspiration from American cars of the early 1940s. It featured a self-supporting body (a first for Volvo) and a 4-cylinder inline engine. Initially, the engine produced 40 horsepower (SAE) from its 1.4-liter displacement.
Launch and Popularity: In September 1944, Volvo unveiled the PV 444 at a large exhibition in Stockholm. The response was very positive, and orders poured in from the Swedish population. The attractive price of 4,800 Swedish kronor (the same as Volvo’s first car, the ÖV4, in 1927) contributed to its popularity. However, it wasn’t until 1947 that series production began.
Legacy: The PV 444 quickly earned a reputation for being strong and rugged. It paved the way for Volvo’s success in the passenger car market. The Volvo PV 444 holds a special place in automotive history as a symbol of hope and progress during challenging times. Its blend of affordability, design, and practicality endeared it to many drivers. A total of 196,005 PV 444 units were produced during its production run.
1944-1950
PV444: September 1944 – September 1950. Series production began in earnest in February 1947. The car featured a split windshield and rear window; vacuum-operated windshield wipers; a Carter downdraft carburetor; tire size 5.00×16”; interior in the yellow/green color combination; an instrument panel with gauges in the center: below the semi-circular speedometer were five square gauges for charging, oil pressure, fuel, temperature, and odometer; the starter motor activated via a start button; one-piece bumpers; rear license plate placed on the trunk lid; spare wheel located in the trunk; turn signals in the form of arrows placed on the B-pillar; small taillights positioned low on the fenders. Similar to the Model T, the car could be ordered in any color, as long as the customer chose black.
Towards the end of the series, Volvo produced 700 (some sources say 500) PV444 Special cars. Unlike the standard model, these had dove gray paint; gray/red interior; bumper guards; stainless steel trim on the fenders; white sidewalls on the tires; hubcaps with decorative rings; chrome accents on the hood sides and hood ornament.
After the introduction of the PV444B, the cars were designated PV444A and PV444AS. Production totaled 11,804 units for the A model and 700 units for the AS model
1950-1955
PV444B/BS: October 1950 – June 1951. Increased engine power via a new camshaft profile; a new instrument panel with a round speedometer in front of the driver, surrounded by two square gauge panels for other instruments; interior in gray/blue; starter motor activated via the ignition key; three-part bumpers with bumper guards; rear license plate moved down to the bumper. The turn signals were replaced by a T-shaped directional indicator called “Fixlight,” placed in the middle of the roof, humorously nicknamed the “roof cuckoo.” When turning, a blue steady light would illuminate in the center, and an orange blinking light on one side or the other. However, export models were equipped with regular door pillar blinkers. This was much cheaper and allowed for the use of roof racks. Additionally, it eliminated the risk of water leakage from the roof opening. The “roof cuckoo” never became popular and was therefore removed during the late summer of 1952. Manufactured in black and dove gray. Production totaled 4,500 units for the B model and 3,000 units for the BS model.
PV444C/CS: August 1951 – July 1952. Tire size 5.90×15″; the number of wheel bolts increased from four to five. The tires were of low-pressure type, and the front ventilation windows were slightly narrower. Manufactured in black and dove gray. Production amounted to 3,500 units of the C model and 4,500 units of the CS model.
PV444D: August 1952 – November 1953. Modified steering; more powerful generator; roof vent replaced by side blinkers on the B-pillar; internally designed heating system available as optional equipment; the DS model could be delivered with a maroon metallic paint and red/beige interior. Production totaled 3,500 units of the D model and 5,500 units of the DS model.
PV444E: December 1953 – November 1954. New bumper horns; the ES variant replaced the dove gray paint with pearl gray; at the end of the series, Zenith carburetors were introduced, and heating became standard. On November 1, 1954, the PV guarantee was implemented, a five-year comprehensive insurance covering collision damage costs for PV 444 owners. Production reached 14,350 units of the E model and 17,599 units of the ES model.
PV444H: December 1954 – November 1955. Full, larger rear window; larger taillights placed on the body side; spare wheel positioned vertically on the right side of the trunk; the HS model was available in midnight blue; towards the end of the series, black cars were painted black on the interior as well, replacing the previous gray paint. In September 1955, the export of HS models to the USA began. The US versions were equipped with the B14A engine from the P1900. With higher compression, a different camshaft, and dual SU carburetors, the engine produced 70 hp at 5500 rpm, allowing the car to reach a top speed of over 140 km/h. Production reached 29,046 units of the H/HS models.
1955-1958
PV444K: December 1955 – January 1957. Increased engine power through a new camshaft profile and higher compression; new radiator grille. A third model was introduced: PV444 California, a KS model with white paint and yellow/black upholstery. Production totaled 33,918 units of the K/KS models.
PV444L: January 1957 – August 1958. New B16 engine from the Amazon; modified rear axle with reaction struts; electric windshield wipers; new radiator grille with a large V emblem in the center; side blinkers replaced by small round blinkers at the front; new taillights with integrated blinkers and stop lights on the fenders, humorously nicknamed “maiden breasts”; seat belts offered as optional equipment. New colors for the LS model included emerald green, golden beige, and riviera blue, with ruby red replacing maroon. The standard car was still available only in black, while the Californian model came in white. The US versions were equipped with the B16B engine producing 85 hp at 5500 rpm. Production reached 64,087 units of the L/LS models