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Topic starter
27/10/2023 4:23 am
The name Volvo (derived from the Latin verb volvere, 'to revolve') was registered as a trademark in May 1911 by SKF ball bearings, who ultimately decided not to use it. Then in 1924, SKF sales manager, Assar Gabrielsson and engineer, Gustav Larson, decided to use the name for their new car, intended to withstand the rigours of Sweden's rough roads and freezing temperatures.
The Volvo PV444 was presented at a Volvo exhibition in Sockholm during September 1944. This first version had American influenced sedanette styling, not too dissimilar to pre-war Fords and Chevrolets, with both front and rear split screens. Interest was enormous and where initial production forcasts had been set at 8,000 units, by the close of the first generation in 1958, production figures had reached almost 200,000.
The PV444 was the first Volvo to have unitary body construction and boasted a lamenated windscreen - marking the brand's reputation for innovative new safety features. It had 3 speed gearbox and 1,414cc engine delivering a top speed of 76 mph with 44Bhp. With a wheelbase of 260cm it was a small family saloon and at a cost of 4,800 Swedish kronor - the same as Volvo’s first car, the OV4 of 1927 - it was considered a reasonably priced car for the time. 1/43 white metal by Tin Wizard
27/10/2023 7:21 am
Such a classic! 👀
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
27/10/2023 7:44 am
Wonderful pictures and writeup Charles. I have always liked the PV444 and several years ago I was exploring a sample for possible purchase. Upon putting the car up on a lift, I determined that it was nothing but a rusted out hulk. Your model is really nice.
Topic starter
27/10/2023 7:51 am
@bob-jackman All that snow doubtless takes its toll! Thank you for your kind remarks.
John Kuvakas and Steve Jacobs reacted
27/10/2023 8:18 am
That's a very goodlooking model. How many years have you owned it ?
Steve
John Kuvakas and Charles Rockett reacted
27/10/2023 8:29 am
What a great Volvo - thanks for the writeup. I only have one or two PV444s, one from Sweden (one from Denmark)! Both were made in the 1950s and neither are TEKNOs!
Topic starter
27/10/2023 8:34 am
Thanks Steve: three days! It arrived Tuesday with the Opel Kapitan posted earlier. It is from Tin Wizard who are based in Germany and who offer a wide range of white metal kits and ready-builts. Thomas Wolter, the proprietor is very helpful and will do 'specials' on request, though this Volvo is stock.
Topic starter
27/10/2023 8:39 am
@karl You have more PV444s than I have - and very handsome they are too. It would be interesting to know more about them and their manufacture. They do have the look of 1950s Dinkies, and there must have been many such manufacturers around at that time.
27/10/2023 9:00 am
I love the Volvos of the 50s and 60s in particular and have many models of them in 1:43. My favorite is the Volvo Amazon, or as sold in Canada as the Volvo Canadian (note "Canadian" script in pic 1, left of rear licence plate). This was a hugely successful seller in all body styles in Canada.
The PV444 of course preceded the 544 but I have never seen a 444 in Canada. I suspect this car wasn't imported into Canada until the 544 era; or if it was then in very limited numbers. The 544 was very popular in Canada and sold very well. The 544 based Duett wagon was sold in Canada as well but in far lesser numbers. I doubt the panel delivery version made it to Canada as I have never seen one.
27/10/2023 9:01 am
Interesting post Charles. This was a popular car with my Canadian co-workers, one of which by 1968 had achieved 500,000 miles. Outstanding. He had a 60 mile each way daily commute.
Topic starter
27/10/2023 9:09 am
@david-green David, this is a testament to the durability of these Volvo cars, "intended to withstand the rigours of Sweden's rough roads and freezing temperatures".
27/10/2023 9:13 am
Interesting post Charles. This was a popular car with my Canadian co-workers, one of which by 1968 had achieved 500,000 miles. Outstanding. He had a 60 mile each way daily commute.
This very surprising to hear David; when you consider the salty Ontario roads in winter and the fact that these Volvos were a bit prone to rust. They were hardy cars though, for sure.
Topic starter
27/10/2023 9:19 am
@jack-dodds Thanks Jack for all your helpful pictures and information. Interestingly, whilst doing a spot of reading on the matter, I learned that the 444 was not imported into the U.K. either. The reason given there was that the price was too high and yet as detailed above, it was in fact considered very reasonable at 4.800 SEKr.. Perhaps this says more about the domination of the U.K. motor manufacturing sector over the commonwealth's as well as domestic market, than it does about the price of the PV444? I don't remember seeing too many 444s in the UK, whereas the 544 was a common sight for decades. If you've time, it would be interesting to see some of your 444s to compare & contrast.
27/10/2023 11:35 am
Hi Charles;
I only have one PV444 in my Volvo collection as I focus much more on the 445 and other Volvos already mentioned; they are the ones I relate more to. This is not mine but an ebay pic of the same one I have, done by RobEddie/Brooklin. I used to have the 444 Duett and Duett panel and flat deck truck as well but sadly they were stolen several years ago.
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