Tony, I tend to agree with your philosophy regarding doing a restoration project yourself, but maybe we both have the motivation, time, knowledge and patience? I toyed with the idea of buying a 1953 from New Jersey last spring on eBay, in the maroon red color as well. I think it went for around $3,800 US, that would have saved me some time and effort doing my current PV444 project. When I asked the seller if it could be driven about 500 miles, just across the border with Massena, NY, he did express some concerns. I concluded that the brakes were questionable and maybe there were some other problems he'd not be willing to admit to. So I abandoned the thought and rationalized that I'd be better to restore my second PV444 instead.

I have been collecting many parts for this restoration and now that it's finally on the hoist, I realize that the body work has been expertly done in Sweden and all I have to do is the mechanical bits, interior and the final detailing. I will save a lot of money by doing the job myself and as you are doing, getting the satisfaction of doing as much work as possible.

I'm certain your father's 444 will look even better and that you'll have the added satisfaction of doing the work yourself. Long live our 444s!
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Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM