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IMHO; the Duett is a wonderful and unique vehicle. You get 1940s looks, Swedish indestructibility, with European economy and technical quirkiness. I think it's important to remember that despite all these factors, it's NOT a 1934 Duesenburg, or an Isotta-Fraschini, or even a Mercedes Gullwing. It's just not all that rare, and valuable. Excellent examples can be had for 10 or 11 $K, and that's barely Hyundai money!!
So, unless it once belonged (and can be documented) to Jimi Hendrix in Seattle in 1963, or was used to take the Apollo 11 astronauts to the White House, I think you should be able to modify it to your own needs and desires with a completely clear conscience! Maybe if it is totally original, with 50K miles, it's worth preserving in a pristine state, but I don't see any problem with discrete modifications to improve performance or comfort. Installing an overdrive, or better rear axle certainly falls within this area. If it's done with reasonable skill and planning, then no-one will be able to tell until you actually take it out for a drive. These Duetts were designed as local use delivery trucks back in the early 1950s (how else can we explain the tiny gas tank?), and even when new they must have handled like shopping carts and had a ride like rolling down a flight of stairs in a metal trash can!! They're barely better than a 1960s VW microbus in those regards. So this old Volvisti says do whatever you need to do to make it yours, and make it more enjoyable. Go with BOTH the rear axle conversion and the overdrive, but no small block Chevy engines, please!!
I bought my 1957 Duett as a failed project, just about the time a friend wrecked his 1968 Volvo 1800S. So, making the best of circumstance, I installed the whole 1800 driveline, and haven't regretted a thing. The transmission cover was a major fabrication job, but if you're interested I can send you photos and tips to make the job easier. A B-18B, with overdrive and a 4:11 rear axle ratio, plus insulating the **&&^^%$$# out of the interior makes it a pretty enjoyable ride. I highly recommend spending the time to at least doing whatever you can to quiet the vehicle down.
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