1956 Volvo 444, 2 door coupe

1956 Volvo Other Description

The story that comes with this car is interesting. JimFisher, old time Volvo Dealer in Portland Oregon,bought this car as one the first Volvos imported into the United States. It washis personal car and spent time on the showroom floor here in Portland at Jim Fisher Volvo Dealership, which is still goingstrong today. I attempted to verify this part of the story but asJim has passed away and his kids were veryyoung they do not remember. His wife still lives and may shed some light but Ihave not pursued that. Perhaps someone reading this will be able to add to thestory?

Years later when his friend and top Volvo mechanic retiredJim threw him the keys and gave him the car. The engine wasreportedlyoverhauled then as wereother systems. I think it currently has a 4speed transmission, which replaced the original 3speed transmission, which I also think is in one of the many extra boxes ofparts that go with the car.

There are multiple sets of carburetors, a new starter andalso a new battery (6V), as well as 4 Brand NewMichelin X Tires. While I cannot verify that the engine has been rebuilt, I didtake off the valve cover and that entire area looks freshly rebuilt, whichlends credence to the story that it was overhauled. The engine turns overfreely.

The body is in good to very good condition overall andappears to be complete. There is one area on thepassengers rocker area that looks like it has some rust, otherwise it is a verysolid car. The fuel tank has 30 year oldgasoline in it and when pushed around will drip that foul brew onto the ground.I have another (not much better) that can be used to repair therusted original fuel tank. There areseveral engine blocks and cranks also a new starterand some new body/fencer piping.

All in all this is a veryworthy project. This body could easily be sanded, polished and clear coated asit is and the car made roadworthy fairly easily. Icannot promise that but strongly believe it. The brakes master and slavecylinders are all new, but need to be bled. I think with a fewhours of effort the car will start.

The car is as cute as can be. Around here it has beennicknamed Q-T-Pie. It fits well. The original steering wheel appears to be in greatcondition as well as the dash instruments. I think one of the cutest dash designs ever.The seats will need attention as well as the rest of the interior. I’m prettysure that a call to Veteran Produktor (Swedish Volvo parts importer) will yieldbrand new upholstery reproduced to original which will transform thiscar. This car model, 444, has always been associated with longevity,durability, and as a sporting automobile. A friend of mines fatherjust sold one with over 300,000 miles on the original components and it stillran terrific!

Any questions, 503/473-3851.

Happy Bidding!