1959 Volvo PV544 Rally Car

During the 1950s and early 1960s, the Swedish marque earned an impressive resume at rallies around the world, where many Volvo PV544 two-door fastbacks dominated the scene. Renowned racers, including Gunnar Andersson, Art Riley, Bill Rutan, Jo Bonnier, and Tom Trana, owned and regularly competed (often winning) in the European Rally Championship, the Argentine road races, the East African Safari Rally, the Acropolis Rally, and other difficult events.

For 1959, the PV544 benefited from a number of developments and updates including a larger, one-piece, slightly curved windscreen replacing the prior year's split-window example and in the rear, the windows became wider and deeper. The tail lamps also became larger and the front grille opening had a tight crosshatch pattern. New, more powerful brakes were fitted, a handbrake lever was located between the seats, new turn signals were added and safety belt attachments could now be found in the rear seat. Motive power continued to be supplied by the 1,584cc four-cylinder offering 66bhp (85bhp from the 1,778cc B18 Sport) mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox.

This lovely early Volvo rally car has been in its current enthusiast ownership for many years. It's been very successful in the past in Europe, the UK and Eire driven by Dermot Carnegie and its present owner, Frank Fennell, who is retiring from the sport after a very impressive 56 years. Frank has rallied Volvos for over 30 years. Amazons, 544s and a 142 with victories in the Monte Challenge, The Winter Trial twice, San Remo, Targa Rusticana (3), Illuminations (2) and was the first winner of the European Regularity Championship.

We understand that it's only had one outing since enjoying a fresh coat of red paint and only two events since a full engine rebuild, which resulted in a decent output of 140bhp with a healthy torque figure. It runs a 4.88 diff ratio which offers excellent acceleration and is fitted with overdrive for longer straight sections. All the electrics were replaced in 2021, it has battery-powered heater under the rear seat, a heated rear window and special engine ducts for cooling. It's fitted with a hydraulic handbrake and parking brake, a 17-gallon 'Group 4' tank, PIAA lamps, all the timing gear etc. and two sets of wheels. It has FIVA papers and is UK-registered. 

This venerable Volvo is a really well-sorted and smart rally car that's quicker than you expect and considerably more nimble than you might think it's going to be. Its looks are a bit post-WW2 Americana but we like that and it's coming back into fashion. In the right hands, this is a winning car and seems really good value for a classic rally car that may well keep you at the top of the results sheets for years to come.

The car is registered in both the UK and Southern Ireland, HPI clear, and is hoped to be offered with an MOT by the time of sale.