Richard, you can't rely on the V.I.N. number, since it was common, even in Sweden, to swap tags. That's why Volvo started stamping the V.I.N. into the "B" pillar door in August 1966 and stopped putting it onto the metal plate. I documented the 4 identification plate styles a while back on this forum including when they changed styles.

I think I commented on the existance of an internal control number, usually on a plate, painted and on the left firewall. These numbers seldom matched the V.I.N.

Regarding your 445, there were 4 model years spanning 1956 - 1960. It appears that each of the variations had their own chassis numbers, since they were viewed as a different model.
- G model (4 variations) made from March/April 1956 - January/February 1957,
- L model (4 variations) made from January/February 1957 - June 1957,
- P-4450x (5 variations) made from June 1957 - October 1958,
- M model (5 variations) made from October 1958 - July 1960,

The variations were for the cab/chassis model, the panel van, the station wagon and another type (pickup?). I'll get my Swedish friend to translate the different variation names. The 5th variation in the last 2 years was specifically a model imported into the USA. This model was called the Personherrgåsvagn USA P-44508-1957, chassis number (VIN) 3961 - 9072. The next year's model was referred to as the Personherrgåsvagn USA P-44508 M, chassis number (VIN) 9073 - 9145. So, maybe that 4 digit registration number may be the original V.I.N.?

More confusion?
--
Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM