Volvo PV and TR Series

Volvo OV4

The first series-produced Volvo car left the Lundby factory on April 14th 1927. ÖV4 was the designation for this old-fashioned open car with 4 cylinders. The body was built on an ash and beech frame, covered with sheet metal and was only available in one colour combination, dark blue with black wings. The ÖV4 was often nicknamed "Jakob".

Technical Specifications
Model: ÖV4
Variants: ÖV4 TV (Pick up) ÖV4 Chassis
Produced: 1927 - 1929
Volume: 275 (of which 205 delivered with open tourer body).
Body: Open tourer, or as a chassis.
Engine: In-line 4 cylinder with side valves; 1,944 cc; 75x110 mm; 28 bhp at 2000 rpm.

Volvo PV4

Volvo's first saloon car, PV4, appeared in the summer of 1927 and an alternative 'Special' version was introduced the following year. The bodywork of the PV4 was based on the Weymann principle, with an insulated wooden frame covered with artificial leather instead of steel. The seats could be converted into a comfortable bed for two people.

Technical Specifications
Model: PV4
Variants: PV4 "A", PV4 "Special"
Produced: 1927 - 1929
Volume: 694
Body: Saloon.
Engine: In-line, 4-cylinder with side valves; 1,944 cc; 75x10 mm; 28 bhp at 2,000 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed, with direct-action floor lever

Volvo PV651

The first six-cylinder Volvo engine was ready in 1929. The first car to be equipped with the DB engine was the PV651. The engine had a capacity of just over 3 litres and the output was a modest 55 bhp. It was a strong and flexible unit, two properties that characterise the in-line six as a technical design.

The PV651 and its successor, the PV652, were both longer and wider than previous Volvo cars. All four wheels were given four-wheel brakes as standard, either mechanically (PV551) or hydraulically (PV652) operated.

Technical Specifications
Model: PV651
Variants: PV652, PV650 Chassis, 650 Special
Produced: 1929 - 1933
Volume: 2382
Body: Saloon or convertible.
Engine: In-line, 6-cylinder with side valves; 3,010 cc; 76.2x110 mm; 55 bhp at 3,000 rpm.

Volvo TR671-9

In March 1930, Volvo introduced its first 7-seaters, purpose-built taxicabs. These cars, designated TR671-679, differed primarily from the PV651 to PV655 due to their longer wheelbases and fittings.

The TR671-674 were based on the PV650-652 cars, while the TR675-679 were closely related to the PV653-655 cars.

With the exception of the TR676 (which had a taller body), these cars generally looked like the standard models apart from the fact that they were longer.

In addition to the complete cars delivered by Volvo, chassis suitable for special bodies were offered.

Technical Specifications
Model: TR671-9
Variants: TR 671 (TRS = City cab with glass division), TR 672 (TRL = Provincial cab without glass division), TR 673 (with glass division), TR 674 (without glass division), TR 675 Chassis, TR 676 (City cab with glass division, high roof), TR 677 Chassis, TR 678 (Provincial cab with glass division, low roof), TR 679 (Provincial cab without glass division, low roof)
Produced: 1930 - 1935
Volume: 845
Body: Taxicab, ambulance or chassis intended for special bodies.
Engine: In-line 6-cyl side valves; 3,010 cc; 76.2x110 mm; 55 bhp at 3,000 rpm or 3,266 cc, 79.4x110 mm; 65hp at 3,200 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed manual, floor mounted lever.
Brakes: Hydraulic on all wheels.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 3,100 or 3,250 mm.

Volvo PV653-9

The first six-cylinder Volvo car appeared as early as 1929 and developed versions of this car were to follow. In 1933, the PV653 (standard) and the PV654 (de luxe) were introduced. Comfortable, quiet and rugged cars for everyday use with reliable engines in traditional style.

The 654 de luxe version had a very plush interior, twin spare wheels and a reversing light, and it was available in several colours.

The PV655 was the chassis version, suitable for special bodies.

The launch in 1935 of the PV658 and PV659 changed the appearance of the car considerably. The radiator sloped slightly backwards and a grille was fitted in front of the radiator. The very special wheel hubcaps also contributed to the new character. A more powerful version of the 6-cylinder engine was another new feature. It had a displacement of 3.67 litres and developed 80-84 bhp.

Technical Specifications
Model: PV653-9
Variants: PV 653 Standard, PV 654 Luxury, PV 655 Chassis, variant of PV 653/654, PV 656 Chassis, PV 657 Standard, PV 658 Luxury, PV 659 with glass division
Produced: 1933 (PV653-5), 1935 (PV656-9), 1935 (PV653-5), 1937 (PV656-9)
Volume: 653 (PV653-5), 542 (PV656-9)
Body: Saloon
Engine: 653-5: In-line, 6-cyl, side valves; 3,266 cc; 79.4x110 mm; 65 bhp at 3,200 rpm. 658-659: In-line 6-cyl, side valves; 3,670 cc; 84.14x110 mm; 8084 bhp at 3,300 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed with free wheel, floor lever.
Brakes: Hydraulic on all wheels.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2,950 or 3,550 mm.
Misc: 230 PV653s and 361 PV654s were built between 1933 and 1935.

Volvo TR701-704

TR stands for "trafikvagn", swedish for taxicab. The TR701-704 were the successors to the TR671-679 purpose-built taxicabs.

The corresponding standard versions were designated PV656-659. The TR had a longer wheelbase and seven seats. There was a side-valve six-cylinder engine, 'EC', under the bonnet. The Volvo cab was loved by its users and was almost immune to wear and tear.

Technical Specifications
Model: TR701-4
Variants: TR 701 (with glass division) TR 702 Chassis TR 703 (with glass division) TR 704 (without glass division)
Produced: 1935 - 1937
Volume: 936
Body: N/A
Engine: In-line, 6-cyl, side valves; 3,670 cc; 84.14x110 mm; 8084 bhp at 3,300 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed, floor lever.
Brakes: Hydraulic.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 3,100 or 3,250 mm.

Volvo PV36 Carioca

Volvo PV36: Volvo also adopted the streamlined trend of the 1930s and in 1935 introduced the PV36, popularly known as the "Carioca". The car featured independent front-wheel suspension with wishbones and coil springs and a very sturdy all-steel body with rear wheel spats. The body not only looked modern, it was also very safe, as some serious accidents proved.

In addition to 500 saloon cars, one single chassis used for a beautiful convertible was built by Nordbergs Karosseri in Stockholm.

Technical Specifications
Model: PV36
Variants: PV 36 Chassis
Produced: 1935 - 1938
Volume: 501
Body: 6-seater saloon, chassis.
Engine: In-line, 6-cylinder, side valves; 3,670 cc; 84.14x110 mm; 80 bhp at 3,300 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed with floor lever.
Brakes: Hydraulic on all wheels.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2,950 mm.
Misc: Silent, smooth, expensive and slightly controversial, only 500 "Cariocas" saloons and one cabriolet were built and sold. Max. speed was 120 kph.

Volvo PV51-57

The Volvo passenger car models of the latter half of the 1930s were the 51-56 types. All the models had the same basic body style. The differences lay in certain exterior changes and levels of equipment. Many cars saw wartime service running on producer gas with an output of a mere 50 bhp.

In 1936-7, the PV51 (standard) and the PV52 (de luxe) cars were introduced. For the PV53-56 models, the appearance was modified with a new bonnet line and a V-shaped grille. The 55 and 56 were the de luxe versions and the 53/54 were the standard models. The 55/56 featured folding front seats. The pointed nose section was carried over to the successor, the PV60.

The PV51ch and the PV57 were sold as rolling chassis with bodywork according to customer requirements.

Technical Specifications
Model: PV51-57
Variants: PV 51 (Standard) PV 51 Chassis V 51 (During 1936 was these cars built. Divergence to PV 51 is unclear) PV 52 (Luxury) PV 53 (Standard with visible spare wheel pressing) PV 54 (Standard with convex luggage boot cover) PV 55 (Luxury with visible spare wheel pressing) PV 56 (Luxury with convex luggage boot cover) PV 57 Chassis
Produced: 1936 - 1945
Volume: 6905
Body: Saloon
Engine: In-line, 6-cyl, side valves; 3,670 cc; 84.14x110 mm; 86 bhp at 3,400 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed with floor lever; optional overdrive with free wheel.
Brakes: Hydraulic on all wheels.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2,880 mm.
Misc: This generation was the first 'smaller' Volvo car, which was built in considerable numbers.

Volvo PV801-810

The new taxis, the PV801 (with a glass division between the front and rear seat) and the PV802 (without the glass division), were introduced in 1938. The model was also available in chassis form, the PV800 and the PV810, the latter having a longer wheelbase.

The design of the PV800 Series was much enhanced by the daring V-shaped nose and the typical American styling with rounded contours. Both versions could carry eight people, thanks to additional folding seats. The 821-824 versions were modernised with a more powerful ED engine that had an output of 90 bhp.

Technical Specifications
Model: PV801-10
Variants: PV 800 Chassis PV 801 (Taxi with glass division) PV 802 (Taxi without glass division) PV 810 Chassis, extended
Produced: PV801-10: 1938 - 1947 PV821-4: 1947 - 1948
Volume: PV801-10: 1,848 PV821-4: 800
Body: Purpose-built taxicab or chassis intended for special bodies.
Engine: In-line 6 cyl side-valves; 3,670 cc; 84.14x110 mm; 84, 86 or 90 bhp
Transmission: 3-speed manual with floor lever (1938-45) or gearshift placed on the steering column (1946-48).
Brakes: Hydraulic on all wheels.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 3,250 or 3,550 mm.

Volvo PV60-61

The PV60 was the last of the large six-cylinder passenger cars from Volvo with a traditional side-valve engine. The design of the car was relatively old-fashioned, as the American lines had changed drastically during the war. The car became very popular, primarily because of the comfort it offered. Most of the cars were sold during the late 1940s.

Volvo's first post-war car, the PV60, was also offered in bare chassis form as the PV61. Five hundred of them were produced and transformed into delivery vans or light trucks, except for a handful which received elegant drophead bodies.

Technical Specifications
Model: PV60-1
Variants: PV 61 Chassis
Produced: 1946 - 1950
Volume: 3006
Body: Saloon or chassis intended for special private or commercial bodies.
Engine: In-line, 6-cyl, side valves; 3,670 cc; 84.14x110 mm; 90 bhp at 3,600 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed with overdrive, steering column gear change.
Brakes: N/A
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2,850 mm.

Volvo PV444

As a herald of hope for peace and better times, in September 1944 Volvo presented the PV444 at the large Volvo exhibition in Stockholm. The price was very attractive - 4,800 Swedish kronor, the same that the ÖV4, Volvo's first car, cost in 1927.

American styling influenced the appearance of the 444. This car was the first Volvo to have a unitary body without a separate frame. It was also equipped with a laminated windscreen, an important new safety innovation. Interest was enormous and the original planned production figure of 8,000 cars became almost 200,000 before the PV444 became the PV544. The 444 was the first small Volvo car and the one that really set car production at Volvo moving.

Technical Specifications
Variants: A/AS B/BS/BQ/BQS C/CS/CQ/CSQ D/DS/DQ/DSQ E/ES H/HS/HE K/KS/KE L/LS
Produced: 1946 - 1958
Volume: 196005
Body: 2-door saloon
Engine: In-line, 4-cylinder: 1,414 or 1,583 cc, 4085 bhp.
Transmission: 3-speed with floor-mounted gear lever.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2,600 mm.

Volvo PV831-834

In 1950, Volvo launched an updated version of the taxis in the 800 Series. The principal new feature was the design of the front, which now had a lower profile and headlights set back in the front wings.

A new version of the PV830 made its appearance in 1953. It was intended as an exclusive car for large companies to use when transporting important visitors. The main exterior feature that distinguished this version was the colour, maroon metallic or dark blue.

The interior included exclusive fabric upholstery. The rear seat had a folding centre armrest and there were textile carpets on the floor. Standard equipment included a radio.

As taxis, these cars were regarded as being virtually impossible to wear out and a couple of them were actually used until the 1980s.

In addition to the taxicab version, the 800 Series could be delivered as a bare chassis, intended for service as ambulances, estate cars or small vans.

Technical Specifications
Model: PV 831-4
Variants: PV 831 (Taxi with glass division) PV 832 (Taxi without glass division) PV 833 Chassis PV 834 Chassis, extended
Produced: 1950 - 1958
Volume: 6216
Body: 7 or 8-seater taxi or chassis intended for, eg ambulance duty.
Engine: 6-cylinder, in-line, side valves; 3,670 cc; 84.14x110 mm; 90 bhp at 3,600 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed manual, steering column gear change.
Brakes: Hydraulic on all wheels.
Dimensions:
Misc: Wheelbase 3,250 or 3,550 mm.

Volvo PV445 / PV445 Duett

The PV445 was the chassis version of the PV444, which due to its unitary construction could not be supplied in bare-chassis form. Its mechanical design and frontal appearance, however, were identical to the PV444 except for an additional bar in the grille.

From 1949 to 1953, the PV445 formed the base for small lorries, vans, estate cars and a few beautiful drophead-coupé convertible) cars. None of these were built by Volvo, but by independent coachwork firms.

In 1953, the famous Duett (variant DH) was introduced, based on the PV445. This became legendary, and is the ancestor of today's exclusive, comfortable, safe and powerful Volvo estate cars.

Technical Specifications
Model: PV 445 / PV 445 Duett
Variants: PV 445 A, chassis PV 445 B, chassis PV 445 Van: DS, GS, LS, P-44505 - 1957, P-4405 M PV 445 Estate: DH, GL, LL, P-44506 - 1957, P-44506 M PV 445 Passenger estate: PH, GP, LP, P-44507 - 1957, P-44507 M
Produced: 1949 - 1960
Volume: 29409
Body: Estate and delivery van
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves; 1,414 cc; 75x80 mm; 40 85 bhp or 1,583 cc; 79.37x80 mm; 60 bhp at 4,500 rpm.
Transmission: 3-speed manual with floor-mounted gear lever.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2,600 mm.

Volvo Sport / P1900

When Volvo presented an open 2-seater sports car with a body made of fibreglass-reinforced polyester in 1954, it was something of a sensation.

However, the car did not go into production until 1956 and, after a great many problems, production was wound up in 1957. By this time, 67 (or perhaps 68) cars had been series-produced.

The original idea was that this car would only be for export. A convertible was not regarded as wholly suitable for the Swedish climate. However, in spite of this, most of the cars were sold on the domestic Swedish market.

The car was based on standard components, mainly from the Volvo PV444, but it was built on a separate tubular frame. The engine was a developed version of the 4-cylinder, 1.4-litre engine from the PV444. Using twin carburettors, a different camshaft, larger intake valves and higher compression, this engine developed 70 bhp.

Technical Specifications
Model: VOLVO SPORT (P 1900)
Produced: 1956 - 1957
Volume: 67
Body: Convertible, 2-seater
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, 1,414 cc, 75 x 80 mm, 70 bhp at 5,500 rpm
Transmission: 3-speed manual with floor-mounted gear lever
Brakes: Hydraulic, drums on all wheels
Dimensions: Total length 422 cm, wheelbase 240 cm.
Misc: The 70 bhp engine from this model was used in the Volvo PV444 for the US market in 1957. It gave the PV444 good performance and the model was sold as "The family sports car".

Volvo PV544

In August 1958, the Volvo PV544, a more modern version of the PV444, was introduced. The changes were the most extensive since the PV444 had been presented in 1944.The body was given a larger, convex windscreen together with a larger rear window to improve visibility. The interior featured a new dashboard with a padded upper half to improve interior safety. The speedometer was the "thermometer" type; a red strip showed the speed. The rear seat was remodelled to improve the level of comfort and provide space for an additional person compared to its predecessor, the PV444.

In technical terms, this model was also updated. The Volvo PV444 was (apart from in North America) only available with one engine alternative. With the arrival of the PV544, a second version was added. A 4-speed manual gearbox was also made available for the first time.

Under the skin, the PV544 was continuously updated. The major change took place in 1961, when the famous 'B18' engine was installed under the bonnet, at the same time as the electrical system received 12V current.

Technical Specifications
Model: PV 544
Variants: Special I, II and Sport (mainly called) PV 544 A PV 544 B PV 544 C PV 544 D PV 544 E PV 544 F PV 544 G
Produced: 1958 - 1965
Volume: 243990
Body: 2-door saloon
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,583 cc, 79.37 x 80 mm, 60 bhp at 4,500 rpm or 85 bhp at 3,500 rpm. 1961: 1,778 cc, 75 bhp at 4,500 rpm or 90 bhp at 5,000 rpm, later increased to 95 bhp
Transmission: 3 or 4-speed manual, floor mounted gear lever
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels.
Dimensions
Misc: The Volvo PV544 became one of the most successful rally cars at the end of the 1950s and beginning of the 1960s.

Volvo P210 Duett

The P210 was the continuation of the PV445. The model designation was changed in the autumn of 1960, when the car was given the same curved windscreen and new dashboard which had been used in the PV544 since August 1958.

The production of chassis for special versions ceased at this time. Over the years, people's interest in building special versions had declined and the cost had skyrocketed at the same time. However, the P210 was still available as a van or a more flexible estate.

During the winter of 1962, a major modification was made to the P210. This model was also equipped with the B18 engine developing 75 bhp. The transition to a 12-volt electrical system was another important new feature.

The P210 Duett was a car that was sold primarily on the Nordic markets. The last car in this series was built in February 1969.

Technical Specifications
Model: P 210 Duett
Variants: P 210 Duett and van: A, B, C, D, E, F, M, P
Produced: 1960 - 1969
Volume: 60100
Body: Estate and delivery van
Engine: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves, 1,583 cc, 79.37 x 80 mm, 60 bhp at 4,500 rpm. 1968: 1,778 cc, 84.14 x 80 mm, 75 bhp at 4,500 rpm.
Transmission: 4-speed manual with floor-mounted gear lever.
Brakes: Hydraulic drums on all wheels.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 2,600 mm.

Source: Volvo Car Corporation.

A rare Volvo convertible turns 60 years, the Volvo Sport

Volvo PV444 – the "little Volvo" turns 70

Register Keeper's reports. This page contains a series of articles of technical and general interest by the club official who specialises in this particular Volvo.

Profile on the Volvo PV An rticle outlining the history of the PV Series Volvo

Volvo Brochures These contain technical and general specifications.

The Great Red Toad Article on a restored PV544

PV Mania Article on an elaborately restored PV544

Haynes Classic Tour 1991 Article on a PV544 on a tour

Nordicar Dutch source for PV parts

VP Parts Swedish source for PV parts

MotorOldies Swedish source for PV parts

Brookhouse Classic Volvo Parts UK source for PV parts

ClassicVolvo.com Swedish source for parts for Volvo's from the PV to the 200

PV544 web site By Frank Heul in The Netherlands

PV Register