Rusty But Trusty

Volvo’s 544 was arguably the first foray for Swedish cars in the North American market that successfully built the foundation of Volvo’s reputation there, and perhaps even Swedish cars in general. It’s a sporting but sturdy car with plenty of interior room. Its styling, which was dated even when it was new, also started a long-lasting trend for Volvo – while later Volvos were not dated when new, Volvo did make the most of every design, getting more value out of each one than most manufacturers would. Check out this 1964 Volvo 544 for sale for $3950 in Tigard, OR.

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If you’re fed up of angles, folds, and corners, and would really prefer something a little more organic and rounded, consider a 1997 Ford Taurus. Or better yet, consider the Volvo 544 – an updated version of the ’42 Ford knockoff, with a one piece windshield, hunchback styling, and some actual sporting pretense. Fitted with Volvo’s B18D engine as of 1964, putting out 90-95hp through a 4-speed transmission, it was no rocket, but had quite respectable performance for a family sedan. 1964 also brought a 12V electrical system, and from 1963 North American cars were assembled in Halifax, NS (indeed, if you drive a Volvo 740 or 940 it’s quite likely your car was built here) to bypass trade tariffs. Check out this tax-evading 1964 Volvo 544 for sale for $2450 in Rodeo, CA.

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