1962 Volvo Other

Two door sedan

B18

Manual

Clear

Gasoline

This is your chance to be only the fourth owner of this quality specimen of Volvo's rally winning PV544, one of the finest small sedans of its day ! The only reason I am parting with this delightful car is to buy an MG. I shall endeavor to be thorough in my description but please don't hesitate to contact me with questions. Description: I purchased this car from its second owner and I have documentation going back to 1972, including a photocopy of the check used to purchase the car from its original owner. I will include the history file with the car. The car has survived over a half century on the road in remarkable condition owing in no small part to Volvos renowned built quality. The car left Sweden finished in red but in the '70s received a quality respray in Mercedes Phantom Grey. The current interior was fitted in 1979 and could do with freshening but is still quite presentable. The dash pad has suffered from the California sun. A nice feature on this car is the walnut shift knob with cloisone' Volvo badge. The body is as straight as the proverbial arrow, there are no ripples, panel gaps are spot-on and the chromium plate on the stout bumpers gleams. The paint has acquired a nice patina and really suits the cars barrel back Ford-esque style. Some of the less significant pieces of brightwork show pitting and there are one or two small dings on the stainless steel belt line trim and bumper overriders. But really, for a 52 year old car she shows quite well as is evidenced by her winning a vendors choice award in an important local car show in 2012. Video: I have a video of the car on Youtube, please send me a private message and I will provide you with a link. Driving Impressions: She is usually a bit cold blooded on first starting up but once warmed settles into a just slightly lumpy tickover. The gear lever is long, but the gate well defined and gear selection is satisfying and precise. The clutch is mechanical and a bit on the heavy side but heal-toe work is still easy to accomplish when pressing on. And press on you will want to do as the twin carb 1.8 litre engine has urge to spare, in fact so much so that I wonder if a fast road cam wasn't fitted in the past. The steering wheel is large though you don't really need the leverage as it is geared low and the effort required modest. In spite of narrow section tires the car grips tenaciously. When cornering understeer predominates, the handling is safe and controllable at all times with no untoward noises emanating from the suspension. The suspension system consists of twin control arms and coil springs up front and a coil sprung live axle and trailing links to the aft. Travel is ample, and the springs soft which imbue the small Volvo with a very supple ride. Though fitted with drum brakes all 'round the system is effective, pulling the car up straight without undue pedal pressure. Gauges are minimal, with just fuel level, temperature and road speed indicated with Volvo's trademark ribbon style speedometer, there is an oil pressure warning light. The cabin is kept warm by a very efficient twin-core heater with two speed blower. All in all it's a car with good road manners that puts a smile on your face. Not only will it keep up with modern traffic, but when driven in spirited fashion can show its Hella tail lamps to much of it ! Providing a soundtrack to all this motoring goodness is a pleasant burbling rasp from the exhaust. Work Carried Out: During my ownership of the car I have performed the following work. The twin SU carburettors have been fully rebuilt including new throttle shafts and attendant bushings. The cylinder head has been replaced with a machined replacement unit that came with the car, including valves, springs and valve seats. New rubber bushings have been installed on the front suspension.The clutch has been replaced and the flywheel machined. Whilst the engine was out of the car for clutch work I renewed all of the gaskets and oil seals. In Summary: As one might expect in a 52 year old car there are some imperfections, to make it a show car the following issues should be addressed. The paint isn't perfect, there are two areas by the fuel filler each about the size of a quarter where it has peeled. There are small dings on the brightwork in places, notably the front bumper overriders, there are two tears on the drivers seat and a split in the vinyl on top of the back seat, the heater works but the original heater valve doesn't. The turn signal switch is inoperable, The dashpad is sun damaged.The odometer doesn't function.The tire sidewalls are cracking and there is rust in the spare tire well(but nowhere else). I have not rectified these areas as they in no way detract from my enjoyment of the car or its usability, in fact I have used the Volvo as my sole means of transportation in preference to my modern vehicle for weeks at a time.