Feeling the pinch of materials shortages during World War II, Volvo developed the PV 444 to be smaller and more fuel-efficient than previous offerings, establishing a new paradigm for its cars. After positive response to a prototype unveiled in 1944, the Swedish automaker continued developing the all-new model for several years, officially launching it in 1947 as the first Volvo with unibody construction. Highly advanced at the time, the architecture improved production efficiency and crash protection, and predated its mass adoption in the industry by more than a decade. The PV 444 marked several other firsts for Volvo, incorporating a laminated windshield for added safety and a four-cylinder engine rather than the company’s usual inline-six. It was also the first Volvo exported to the United States, starting in 1955.

The PV 544 launched in 1958 as an update to the PV 444 with minor styling and mechanical changes. The windscreen was constructed from one piece of curved glass. A wider rear bench and slimmer front-seat backrests allowed for three occupants in the back, bringing the total capacity to five. The transmission was upgraded from a three-speed to a four-speed manual, while a new Sport model featured dual SU carburetors. A larger 1.8-liter engine became available in 1962. Production ended in 1965 with the popular PV 544 enjoying a well-earned reputation for being robust, reliable, and safe. The conservative styling, considered outdated in period, holds up remarkably well today.

Acquired by the consignor in 2011, this lovely PV 544 benefited from a full cosmetic restoration completed in 2012 that brought it up to the high standards consistent with the rest of the notable collection it joined. Finished in attractive hunter green over a matching green interior with contrast piping, the quality of craftsmanship shines through more than a decade later. The work included fully disassembling the car, taking the bodywork down to bare metal, repairing areas as needed, and respraying to its current shade of green before reassembling and installing a fully refurbished interior.

This PV 544 from the model’s final year of production has enjoyed continued expert care as part of the consignor’s collection. Since joining, it has required little in terms of mechanical conditioning, the consignor said. “It’s a Volvo.”