Editor’s Note: Volvo Dick is called just that because he is a true Volvo enthusiast. Dick is one of the most active club members that very seldom misses a car show or event. We present his beautiful Volvo PV with chassis number 409903 featured in color code 19, black. Volvo did not offer much creativity when they named this model. PV stands for “Person Vagn” as in passenger car but that doesn’t make it any less exciting.
This is his story and I think he is sticking to it:
Perhaps you always love your first car. Mine was a ’59 544 that I owned while attending college at Western University (1963). When grad school beckoned I drove it to Washington DC with no mechanical problems at all.
Several years later I left to travel in Europe for 8 months, so I let my brother have the car and he managed roll it while speeding!
In Scandinavia I sometimes saw a 544—it caused nostalgic longing.
My current ’64 was purchased 20 years ago from the Legendary Volvo Jim. As an artist of Swedish descent I love the classic styling of this Swedish gem.
No, it is not a modern, super-comfort car with luxurious accessories. It is more of a rugged “tractor” that needs a little Viking strength to drive. The only shortcoming of the body is limited vision out the back window.
The performance is appealing—very sporty—just a kick to drive. It makes me feel especially alive. It is stock with a few upgrades: alternator, later model distributor and starter motor, remote push-button ignition, and a rubber chicken.
I had one shocking incident years ago. I drove into a supermarket parking lot and an outdoor vendor of live lobsters complimented the car and said “I had one once for a short time.” I asked how long, and he replied: “About 30 minutes—I took it for a joy ride when the owner left the keys in the ignition but felt remorse and returned it.” I let him keep his lobsters!
Due to the Covid-19 virus we were all advised to stay home unless it is essential to leave. Driving my 544 is essential to my psyche. If prevented from driving I would probably hurl myself out the window—a first story window—and beforehand I would put a mattress on the ground (hope I remember to open the window!)
The only other solution would be antidepressants or see a psychiatrist, which would be expensive, although it would be an opportunity to share my album of 544 photos with someone who may not have known the joy of classic Volvos!(We do have an educational role to play).
Clearly I have a passion for my 544—it has enriched my life and I am grateful.
I have a theory that the Vikings would never have left Sweden if 544’s were available back then!
Editor’s Note: Dick also creates and sell his own art.
He describes his art as:
“Hand-crafted salmon weather vanes and small assemblages using salvaged materials, found objects, appealing colors and my mysterious sense of humor.”
As a matter of fact, a Spanish art critic visited with Dick’s collection and mumbled something like: “más boeno than that Picasso guy” …just saying.
Story by Dick, Photo by Dick and Rolf