Volvo PV544 Special I
Volvo modernized its rounded little saloon with a one-piece windshield, room for five and sturdier everyday controls.
1959 Volvo PV544 · TTTNIS · CC0 1.0
Research pending
A matching completed auction sale has not been verified for this exact year, body, trim, engine, transmission and market.
Joyride shows this gap instead of substituting an asking price, unsold bid or mismatched special vehicle.
More than a set of wheels.
The PV544 arrived in August 1958 as a carefully modernized successor to the PV444. Its wider, curved one-piece windshield replaced the old split glass, the cabin gained a full rear seat for three, and the dashboard was redesigned. This page focuses on a 1959 first-series PV544 A Special I with the 60 hp B16A engine, not the twin-carburetor Sport or later 1.8-litre cars.
Look a little closer.
The PV544's shape looked older than many 1959 cars, yet the model later became a successful rally machine because it was tough, compact and easy to place on narrow roads.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
A clear view of the future
The biggest visual change from the PV444 was the single, slightly curved windshield. Volvo also enlarged the rear window and redesigned the instrument panel, making the cabin feel more modern without abandoning the familiar body shape.
Source: Volvo Cars · PV544 heritage ↗One badge, several levels
Early PV544 buyers could choose Special I, Special II and Sport versions. Their engines shared the same 1,583 cc basic design, but output differed, so this profile keeps the 60 hp Special I separate from the 85 hp Sport.
Source: Volvo Cars · PV544 heritage ↗Where these facts come from
- Volvo Cars · PV544 heritage
- Volvo sales handbook · 544 series
- Volvo Club UK · PV544 production statistics
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed September 30, 2026.