Volvo PV445
[
PV831-4 |
PV445 |
P1900 |
PV544 |
PV121 |
Volvo Caravan ]
In 1950, the Volvo PV445 was released as
a chassis for the production of small trucks and vans. In addition, a number of
convertibles were built on this chassis.
This chassis was based on
basically the same technical components as the PV444, but its unitary body was
not thought to be suitable for the purpose and a separate chassis was therefore
developed. The rear-wheel suspension featured leaf springs to enable it to
support greater loads.
The front part of the body was also carried over
from the PV444. However, all the independent body-builders who produced the
remainder of the car did so in different ways.
1953 saw the introduction
of Volvo's own van and estate car based on this chassis, the Duett. This car
quickly became extremely popular among small businessmen and craftsmen,
primarily as a result of its strength and load-carrying capacity.
From
the beginning, all the PV445s had a 4-cylinder engine with an output of 44 bhp.
In 1956, output was increased to 51 bhp. In the summer of 1957, the PV445 was
given an entirely new 4-cylinder engine developing 60 bhp.
Technical facts:
|
| Prod. years: |
1950-1960 |
| Prod. volume: |
45,431 |
| Body style: |
Chassis, estate and
van |
| Engine: |
4-cylinder,
in-line, overhead valves, 1,414 cc (86 cu. in.), 75 x 80 mm, 44 bhp at 4,000
rpm
1956: 51 bhp at 4,500 rpm
1957: 4-cylinder, in-line, overhead valves,
1,583 cc (96 cu.in.), 79.37 x 80 mm, 60 bhp at 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission: |
3-speed manual with
floor-mounted gear lever |
| Brakes: |
Hydraulic, drums on
all four wheels |
| Dimensions: |
Total length 440
cm/173", wheelbase 260 cm/102.4" |
