What is the style of body for the PV444?

2-door saloon aka sedan

What type of body and frame does the PV444 have?

It is considered monococque, or unitary, body (aka "unibody") construction without a separate frame

What type of brakes were used on the PV444?

Hydraulic drums on all wheels

Is it possible to convert my front drum brakes to disc brakes?

Yes. See http://www.bearmanmotorsports.com/page4.html or here for info

Is it possible to convert my PV444 from a 6V system to a 12V system?

Yes. From what I understand, it is straightforward, "bolt-on" conversion that is well worth the effort. See http://www.intelab.com/swem/Vintage_Volvo_6V_to12V_conversion.htm or here for details.

What type of engines were used in the PV444?

In-line, 4-cylinder, 1,414 - 1,778 cc; 40 - 90 bhp

What model engines were used in the PV444?

B4B, B14A, B16A, B16B

Is it possible to fit a 1991 Buick 3.3 liter V6 engine into a PV444?

Yes. Also, if you take a 700R transmission (4 speed automatic with overdrive) from a Chevy S10 pick up truck you can make this engine a rear wheel drive set up. See http://www.volvoadventures.com/444V6spec.html for details.

What is the fuel economy or gas mileage of the PV444 with later-model (B16) engines?

30-35 mpg

Is it possible to convert my B16 to a B18 or B20 engine?

Yes. See http://www.bearmanmotorsports.com/page6.html for details

Where to go for SU carburator rebuild assistance?

The Haynes Manual is a good place to start. In the East, contact Joe Curto in New York (718) 762-7878 or email joecurto@aol.com. In the West contact Rhys Kent at Island Automotion in B.C., (250) 479-5482 or 5192. Burlen Fuel Systems in the UK has rebuild kits; they are the owners of the SU name. Site is here: http://www.burlen.co.uk/. Also, CVI Automotive at http://cvi-automotive.se/subpages/partsphotos.htm. A good rebuild kit will run about $100 with new jets. A professional rebuild will set you back about $350.

When and where did Volvo introduce the PV444?

Volvo introduced the PV444 at the big exhibition at the Kungliga Tennishallen in Stockholm on September 1st, 1944

When was the last PV444 created?

1958

How many Volvo PV444s were produced?

196,005

What are the dimensions of the PV444?

Wheelbase 102 in; weight 1,960 lbs when empty

Which Volvo sedan models were the predecessors of the PV444?

PV53, PV54, PV55, PV56, PV60

What are the model designations and years of the PV444?

A (1944-1950), AS (1950), B & BS (1950-1951), C & CS (1951-1952), D & DS (1952-1953), E & ES (1953-1954), H & HS (1954-1955), K & KS (1955-1957), L & LS (1957-1958)

Which Volvo sedan model replaced the PV444?

PV544

How much did the PV444 cost when announced?

4,800 Swedish kronor (approx. $600 USD at today's rates)

When was the first Volvo PV444 delivered?

February, 1947

What are the main differences between the PV444 and PV544?

Looking very much like what it replaced, the subtle differences between the two consisted primarily of the introduction of a curved one-piece windshield to replace the two panes of flat glass. The rear glass was slightly enlarged and the dashboard was endowed with a "modern" ribbon type speedometer. The later models of PV544, from 1961-1965, also came with the B18 engine producing up to 95 hp.

What does "Volvo" stand for - what does it mean?

"Volvo" was simple, ingenious and had a very strong symbolic connection to SKF’s entire operation (i.e. bearings). Volvere is the infinitive form of the verb "roll" in Latin. Conjugate volvere to its first-person singular form and it becomes volvo or "I roll" in English.

What does the original Volvo logo - the circle with the arrow - stand for?

At the same time as Volvo was re-emerging [from World War I], the ancient chemical symbol for iron, a circle with an arrow pointing diagonally upwards to the right, was adopted by the scientific community. The iron badge on the first Volvo vehicle was designed to build on the industry symbolism of steel and strength and create associations with the honoured traditions of Sweden's iron industry.

Where does the diagonal band - running across the radiator originate?

The [original Volvo] logotype was complemented with a diagonal band running across the radiator, from top right to lower left. Though the band was originally there to keep the chrome badge in place, it gradually developed into a decorative symbol and is still found on the grilles of Volvo vehicles today.

Is it possible to obtain a service manual or parts manual for the PV444?

Yes. Check out eBay for the CD-ROM version or email a guy named Tadek at Tadeusz.Malkiewicz@plusnet.pl or t_m@plusnet.pl. Should be about $25 USD. You can also find paper-copies of original service and parts manuals around. Check out the forums or eBay. Last, here is the English version of the later P444 parts catalog, provided by Willem Goudriaan. Thank you again Willem!

What transmissions were used in the PV444?

Three (3) and four (4) speed with floor-mounted gear shift lever

What size tires are used on the later-model PV444 and where can they be purchased?

165R15. These can be purchased at Coker Tire (http://www.coker.com). A good match is the 165R15 Coker Classic 2 1/4 Inch Whitewall Tire #18199 (sku 568745) which currently sells for $119 + shipping. Other matches include B.F.GOODRICH 3/4 INCH WHITEWALL TIRE #18059 (sku 579810) for $103 each and BFGOODRICH SILVERTOWN RADIAL 2 1/4 INCH WHITEWALL TIRE #18200 (sku 579811) for $127 each. Don't forget to get five tires if you need to replace the spare.

What about wheels - what size and where can they be purchased?

The only possible source I know of at this time is Vintage Import Parts (http://www.vintageimparts.com) and this is not guaranteed. Again, check out eBay or the other parts sources - see my links page.