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Our SmugMug site has two galleries with more pics of the car:
  Much of  the car's history  
and
Additional pics of the 2023 Front Suspension Re-build

The basic design work for this generation of Volvos was started in 1943.  World War II interrupted, so actual production of the model 444 didn't start until 1947.  Few were exported to the United States until the late ‘50s when production of the 544 model began (one-piece windshield and larger rear window).  Starting with the 1962 models the 544 was upgraded to the B‑18 engine and the interior trim appointments were improved.  The last of the 544s were produced in 1965.  In total 440,000 of the 444 and 544 cars were produced from 1947 to 1965.  

For a very neat 10-minute video recounting the history of the 544, click on the picture below.  .The video has all kinds of interesting clips, especially those covering the great rally racing successes of the 544. 

My 544 was purchased used by the current owner from a Denver Volvo dealer in 1964 for $1,500.  It sold new in 1962 for about $2,300.  It was used as my everyday car until 1994 when it retired from active service. It has in excess of 250,000 miles.

History of significant repairs:

Most of the interior is original except for front seats which have been redone.  While the padded dash was replaced in the late 60s, the headliner, floor mats, trunk mat, and all the door and side panels are original.

The car was repainted in 1967, again in 1977, and the front was re‑painted in 1980.  There was a total fenders-off and glass-out paint for the 1996/1997 total restoration which include three new fenders. (Then available from a Volvo dealer's parts department on a next-day basis!) Also replaced  some cowl panels which had succumbed to rust.  

Then in 2023 the front cross-member and suspension was restored.

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