Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rick]

Everything was becoming quite simple in the garage, the Rover would be perfect for jollies out for the family, with room to spare and mile-munching well within its capabilities, while the Morris and Dodge tourer cater for pre-war runs out.

Then a photo of this PV544, with mention that it was for sale, appeared on here ... parked out in the elements, and looking a little sorry for itself. Having had Amazons in the past, I've always liked the look of the PV but as they weren't officially imported in the UK as far as I know, there didn't seem much likelihood of finding one in useable condition (I don't really want full-on projects at the mo).



Enquiries to the owner of the land where it was stored, revealed that the owner hadn't used it in some time, but had kept it MOTd. The history file turned up this morning, just as I was sorting out these pictures, and it confirms that it spent some time on show in a dealer's window.

It appears to have been imported in 1985, and has had a number of owners, mainly down South.

Negotiations via phone swiftly followed receipt of more photographs, and dad was roped in for a trip southwards to go and collect the Volvo. As it is MOTd, the logical plan was to drive it home, despite little recent use.

The car was as described in the photographs, mainly sound but with a few bubbly bits here and here, probably as a result of sitting outside over the winter. Ultimately they'll need rectifying, but for now it'll be good enough. I'll try and get hold of some touch-up paint.

The drive back went without a hitch, and its manners improved all the while during its 125 mile trip home. Being a late example of PV544, it has the 5-bearing B18 (1.8 litre) engine, and four speed 'box. Being LHD made it all the more interesting, and it drives brilliantly, just like an Amazon but narrower and less easy to see out of

The car was filthy, and the paint quite flat in places.



First job was to wash it down and assess things.

The bubbly bits are cosmetic and in the main the paint is presentable, although has seen work in the past. One footwell has a small hole in it, and both need rubbing down and treating - ultimately I think they'll need replacement.

The driver's window chain has jumped off and attempts to re-fit it, and keep it on, haven't yet solved this.

The trim is ok in the main although the driver's seat, and door trim, are scruffy. Original Volvo mud flaps are fitted, as are two blue-tinted rear-view door mirrors.



First thing to be removed were the headlamp peaks, I can't stand these and I don't think they do anything for a car's looks. Good quality though. The brightwork is very presentable and won't need replacement.



A week in, and the car has been used regularly for local trips, while I draw up a list of things that need attention. The exhaust is blowing, and while the rear section is stainless I think the rest needs replacement. The water pump has a slight leak too, I think a long period out of use followed by regular drives, has seen the seal cry enough.

The other evening we took it for a run out, and popped by the local VSCC meet to see what other old cars were there.



A few other cars turned up, including a really nice Amilcar.



Overall, I'm very pleased with the PV. It looks great, and drives amazingly - 1940s' styling but with 60s' running gear. I can see why they're popular in rallying.

As a bonus, it's the same colour as the 121 that dad owned in the 1970s.

It's far from perfect, and the photos flatter it a bit, but as a classic that covers distances well and is quite frugal, it's perfect for what I want in a more recent classic. Sadly it means the P5B will probably have to go, and relinquish its space under cover.

(The visit to the pub meet led to news of another PV that has appeared in a garden, not far from one of the club members. Dad is also going to chase up another, rally-prep'd example, that he knows of, as I think buying this has re-kindled his interest in older Volvos).

RJ
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[ukdave2002]

Looks great, agree with you re the headlamp peaks, I'm also not a fan of whitewall tyres, but they do work here....

Another left hooker, becoming a feature of the RJ fleet

Dave

[DDB]

Love the PV544. A mate of mine in West Cork in Ireland has one, a Finnish import i believe.
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Too many cars to list, I need help.

[JC T ONE]

What a nice car me like
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[poodge]

Nice find,Rick.It's in pretty good shape for the year.
When I was a skinny 16yr old in holland working in a greengrocers,my boss was a confirmed Volvo man.He had a red PV544,which he traded on a 122s.Unfortunately,whilst on holiday,he got sideswiped by a truck,and even a Volvo can't take that sort of punishment.He replaced it with a 2-door (131?) in exactly the colour you have there.

[gillberry]

So jealous I keep trying to talk the ohe half into letting me have one and that colour would go well with Gacie
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1968 Volvo Amazon estate (Gracie)
1967 Cheltenham Nyala caravan

[badhuis]

Lovely car! I agree about the looks, think these are about as nice as a Volvo can get (the Amazon has very pretty lines as well but is too common here in the Netherlands).

Our company neighbour is a Volvo specialist for these cars (and Amazons) and has tons of second hand parts. If you ever need anything please PM me. For example he has many original seat covers etc.
Yesterday I helped him move a 544 Sport (twin carburettors) which stood for 5 years. Battery charger and some brake cleaner from a rattle can and the car instantly ran beautifullly.

[Rick]

[badhuis]

Send me a close-up pic of the seat pattern / fabric / colours because there might be variations over the years?

I hope he has not thrown away too much in the last year - for which I am partly the cause
He had to clear a big garage (200 m2) because I a renting that from him now. There were rows of seats and back seats, not sure where these went.... But I asked him not to throw away original good material because I love old original interiors. I believe he stripped the seats, keeping most seat covers and threw away the seats.

Sorry no pics of the 544 - it just is not in my system to carry a camera / take pics although there are often many interesting cars around (a Ferrari 330 GT now, XK150 and a DB4).

[Rick]

Ok I'll take a photo of my seats, the passenger seat (good condition) is less faded than the others, so it may have been replaced - or been under a seat cover - in the past.

The driver's seat base cover, and backrest cover, are very tatty but the foam and springs underneath are probably ok. It is a two-tone mid-blue/grey colour.

thanks, RJ
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[JC T ONE]

[john-saab]

That looks fantastic Rick..i'm getting used to my Amazon now but a PV is high on the "wanted" list.
Brookhouse Volvo have a good amount of useful parts for these..next day delivery on everything I have bought so far..they are mostly repro items but the quality is great.
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Rust Junky & oil addict.

[Rick]

I wonder if Volvo themselves still list odd parts? I remember they had Amazon bits in stock when I had the 121 and 122S.

RJ
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[john-saab]

Rick..Volvo still make a lot of parts for the older models..the delivery from Brookhouse Volvo this morning included 2 genuine brand new trailing arms plus a few other bushes and washers for my Amazon.

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Rust Junky & oil addict.

[D4B]

great looking car Rick