1963 Volvo PV544 Rally Car

Highlights

Extensively campaigned in historic rallies worldwide
Built to full “Appendix K” FIA Homologation competition specification
Over £200,000 spent on preparation and upkeep, with a vast collection of invoices to show for it
Recent inspection and maintenance by Riley Blue Diamond
Left-hand drive, ideal for European events

The Appeal

Attend any historic long-distance event and you're almost guaranteed to see a Volvo PV544.

A stalwart of the classic rally scene, the PV544 was Volvo's first monocoque design and introduced the legendarily reliable B16 and B18 engines. The world's highest mileage car - Irv Gordon's P1800 - has the latter, and so does this 1963 PV544 which is quite possibly the most widely campaigned example in the world! We've listed a portion of its rally history below and notable results include second place, (just one second behind the overall winner) of the 1992 Monte-Carlo challenge, and a Touring Class win at the same event in 1995!

This Volvo has been meticulously maintained and upgraded to meet the demands of long-distance rallies with over £200,000 spent in preparation and upkeep. The current owners acquired the car in 2019 with the intention of competing in the Lima to Capehorn rally, and although the event was cancelled due to Covid, the car underwent a thorough inspection and maintenance by Riley Blue Diamond. A recent inspection report, also by Blue Diamond, reveals there's now some more work to be done, so this car would be an excellent winter project for keen home mechanics or else could be entrusted to one of the many brilliant UK-based rally preparation specialists.

With its remarkable history, this Volvo PV544 offers a valuable opportunity for those seeking a ready-made, highly competitive historic rally car.

History and Paperwork

Exempt from road tax and MOT
In current ownership since 2019
Acquired by the current owners in 2019
Recent inspection and maintenance by Riley Blue Diamond
Equipped with Brantz International 2 Tripmeter, rally clock, and other rally-specific equipment
Subject to an editorial in Classic & Sportscar magazine (April 1993) when the car was owned by the most prolific family of Rally entrants, Roger and Margaret Ealand
Very well-known in the historic rallying scene

Documented competition history includes:

Six Monte-Carlo Winter Challenges
Four Winter Trials
Eight Classic Marathons
Tatra Rally
Rally of the Tests
Four Le-Jogs
Emerald Isles Challenge
Circuit of Ireland
Numerous 2000 Miles Trials and many smaller rallies during its earlier years

The Condition

Very presentable overall for a well-used competition car
Slate Blue exterior presents well with minimal visual defects to report besides light patina
Blue interior also appears in smart condition for its age with minimal signs of wear
Brantz: International 2 Tripmeter, and rally clock
Navigator’s footrest
LED lighting
Lucas 20/20 auxllary lamps
Raydot fog/reversing lamp
Maxxis R19 rally tyres
Louvred bonnet
Sump and steering guards fitted to seam welded and strengthened crossmember
Front disk brakes

The Mechanics

Regularly started to ensure all components remain well lubricated and operational
1.8-litre (1,780cc) B18 four-cylinder petrol engine
Four-speed manual transmission
High-efficiency inline exhaust system
Zircotec coated manifold
63-litre rally fuel tank with Facet backup fuel pump
Panel air filter
Five-blade asymmetric fan
Offered in good running, driving order, with some issues to rectify before participating in any further events (see list of most major items below and full 2024 Blue Diamond report in the photo gallery)

The following work was carried out by Blue Diamond shortly after the owners acquired it in 2019. These jobs were prompted by a Blue Diamond inspection report in readiness for the sadly cancelled Lima to Capehorn rally:

Refit front brake hoses to clear wheels
Remount fuel pump on runner
Remove diff pinion flange and fit new seal
Oil service and reseal sump
Strip drop arm from steering box, remove and replace oil seal
Remove interior on bulkhead for remedial welding
Check brake pipes and tighten
Supply and fit new spotlights
Fit new exhaust mounts

A further 2024 Blue Diamond report identifies several defects (see gallery for full report), of which the following are classified under "Strongly recommend work is carried out":

Car pulls to the left (tracking is out)
N/S boot floor rotting out
Sections of rear N/S and O/S inner arches are starting to rot out
Coolant level below core top up/replace
Exhaust mid section rear rubber starting to split
Rear N/S chassis leg badly repaired and rotting out
Rear N/S spring strut needs repair
Rear N/S trailing arm bush (front) splitting
Front N/S wheel bearing is noisy
Rear N/S tyre splitting
Front O/S N/S and Rear O/S tyre has worn

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