Jeroen is sensitive to the design, quality and appearance of this rare Swede, which was originally delivered in the Netherlands and has been in his possession for almost 30 years. This Volvo PV544 Sport is better known as "the Katterug".
The Volvo PV544 Sport was more modern than the PV444; technically a different car, but similar in shape to the older types. Yet the differences were clearly visible. For example, it got a convex windscreen in one piece and a larger rear window. The total glass surface increased considerably as a result and visibility improved greatly. The grille was also more modern, and several versions came onto the market, including this Sport version. The Sport has a B18D engine under the hood, equipped with two SU carburetors, and delivers around 90 hp.
The Volvo PV544 Sport is no longer required to undergo an MOT
Vehicles that are 50 years old or older are exempt from the inspection requirement. Nevertheless, Jeroen chooses to have a voluntary MOT inspection carried out every two years. After all, four eyes see more than two. For example, a stuck handbrake cable is not immediately noticeable. He wants to travel safely and with peace of mind with his wife, which means that this bright red Katterug is also used regularly outside the summer season. In fact, the Volvo PV544 Sport does not sleep inside, but has been standing outside for years, always ready to be used.
Volvo history
This type of Volvo has a long history and was successful as a rally car in the late 50s and early 60s. Volvo gave priority to safety and built a solid reputation in this. The Volvo PV544 was one of the first production cars with seat belts and a shock-absorbing plastic dashboard. It was rightly given the label: Volvo is safety!
The Volvo PV544 Sport is a true classic with reliable technology and solid construction; it is more than a piece of history that you take with you on every journey.
The history of Jeroen's Volvo PV544 Sport
Jeroen: “My colleague had an old Volvo in an old farmhouse in the mid-90s, with the intention of restoring it and using it as a hobby car. But the dream of giving the car a new life faded away and his interest disappeared. When I saw the Volvo PV544 Sport I was immediately sold. Because it had not received any love and attention in all those years, a complete restoration was necessary. I dismantled the car, replaced rusted parts and resprayed it in bright red paint. The engine was completely overhauled, fitted with an LPG head and equipped with an LPG installation.”
“The work and the result gave me a good feeling (tinkering is a kind of meditation for me) and it brought back cherished memories. My parents restored a lot of antiques and making and preserving special things beautiful was instilled in me from an early age.”
Carefree miles
Jeroen: “In the past 30 years we have driven many kilometers with the Katterug, even twice a long trip to Italy and other European destinations, and of course the hobby use all year round. Only not for commuting, for that I take the bike. In 30 years I have only had two breakdowns on the road. The first time was in Italy with a broken gas evaporator. On Friday evening (!!) a second-hand evaporator was installed in a garage for a song. The second time was a flat battery due to a defective DC dynamo, which I then replaced with an AC dynamo. Apart from that it has always been start and drive.”
“In the neighborhood I am known as the man with the red Volvo. I regularly do my wrenching at the door and many people stop by for a chat. Fortunately, I can go to family for the bigger wrench jobs.”
“Sleeping outside did mean that the Volvo PV544 Sport Katterug was completely overhauled and repainted in 2009. Maintenance of an old car, especially when it is outside, is essential for maintaining a long-term relationship.”
Sustainability
Jeroen has clearly contributed to sustainability. You could say that this 62-year-old car has already been recycled four times. Moreover, LPG is a relatively clean fuel. When asked, Jeroen always says that the Volvo PV544 Sport runs on waste. We can be grateful that enthusiasts keep these oldtimers in high esteem. This beautiful Swedish quality product remains visible on the road. Sometimes in life you have to be contrary; driving such an old car is actually still a lot of fun!
(The article continues below with the photos.)
What a surprise to see “my” PV MP-10-62 again. Bought in 1977 in Heerde as a mobile wrecker for Fl.1000,- with the intention of restoring it for myself because it was a Sport. So the most attractive version. But how rotten it was…….. nose, front fenders were the least. Box beams left and right, rear section, tire compartment, floor, you couldn’t think of anything so crazy. Even in the 2 front beams the suspension at the front axle was completely gone. I could only weld with autogenous and copper brazing. The heat introduced caused many problems! The rear axle was also completely worn out so it had to go. Equipped with a throttle head and installation for 2 SUs it was very favorable to drive and that is what it did. With a small caravan and 2 children to Scandinavia and after the fall of THE wall to the Eastern Bloc. It was a top car and for the current owner I have a slide series to give an impression of all the work I have done with pleasure.
SUPER !!! MY PASSION FOR OLD VOLVOS CAME ABOUT IN THE BACKSEAT OF A CAT
MY FRIEND'S FATHER IN PRIMARY SCHOOL TORE THROUGH THE VILLAGE OF BAARN WITH IT
THE GOOD ROADHOLDING WITH THE CRACKING SOUND OF THE EXHAUST MADE AN UNFORGETTABLE IMPRESSION
SO I ALSO HAVE A SPORT WITH 2 CARBURETORS STAINLESS AND ORIGINAL WITH DOOR HANDLES THAT DO NOT HANG : -)
NICE ARTICLE MY COMPLIMENTS
A worn door handle mechanism can still be replaced by an original new one in 2025, 60 years later, so that you no longer have sagging door handles ;-). Try that with most cars from around 2003.
I have the same model, but out of respect for its age, this one is allowed to sleep in storage during the winter, because they can also rust, even though they were given extra good rust prevention afterwards.
Furthermore, they are fine cars, good for traffic light sprints, but above 110 km/h they become dangerous with unexpected manoeuvres.
Peter good to know about the available door mechanism! at the Volvo club?
I wouldn't replace them, they just hang there and look charming
In my case they are straight and horizontal: a sign of the originality of my PV
1st paint with a scratch, a dent and a beautiful patina
The two SU's have been replaced, I think, by a single carburetor due to the installation of a gas system. Too bad to deprive such a 544 sport of its extra hp and then also on LPG. Another 10% of the power is lost.
Gas is (for the time being) only used for cooking, what a waste!
Well….timeless…???
In a similar (black) car I was taken to nursery school together with three other children (1966)... there weren't that many cars on the road back then and many cars still had those round shapes.
Volkswagen Beetle was then the most common car on the (small) roads.
Cornelis Morees.
Nice car, in the picture the double SU carburetor has apparently been replaced by another single copy. A bit less hp then but still a nice car.
Absolutely right; inspection = top importance!
Still a very beautiful one!
I just hate the word “Blocksy”, yuck, just like all those other popular words from so-called “tv icons”, bizarre, = v h.,..