In this article it stated that when Volvo was introduced to the states in 1956. The PV444, was the first US bound automobile ever. The car had resembled a smaller version of the 1946 Ford Tutor. The car featured a two piece windshield, small engine, and all of the standard features of a car of it's time.
About three years later Volvo came out with a better version of the car, the PV544. That was the car that gave Volvo it's reputation for Swedish Quality. This car featured a one piece windshield, fifteen inch wheels, drum brakes, padded instrument panel. The powerplant was a 1.6 liter push rod four that delivered a smooth 85 horse power. The car ran about $5000-$7000. The car was comfortable cruising at speeds of 60-70mph while getting a nice 29 miles to the gallon. The vehicle traveled from 0 to 60 in a nice thirteen seconds, which was better than the sportier two seater cars.
Automobile touring, White River Valley
Automobile crossing rope bridge
An 11" x 2" drum brake from a late 60's truck. Pho...The car had an over all top speed of 93 miles per hour, which was amazing for a 1.6 liter engine.
In 1961 the company came out with same car but had some revisions, like a bigger engine the 90hp 1.8 liter. This car had natty trip in new colors which for years it was in contempt. By 1966 the company was only making one model, the PV544. The company didn't have any technical advances in the car which probably kept the car and the company alive. To some the car was a very well build sports car.
I know that in this cars day it was an amazing little car that was capable of a lot for a family car. A restorer said that the only way to kill the car is to run it without oil. I believe that,