Tony, you are absolutely correct. My findings may seem complicated, but should put the Sport emblem question to bed for ever. Contrary to some beliefs, there was an early PV544 non-Sport model sold in North America, possibly in the Canadian market.

The "Sport" scripted trunk emblem was used on the B16B equipped PV544 A and B models. There were two versions; part number 659083 until chassis #302254 and the Sport (part #663509) emblem afterwards. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the B16 PV544 had a swallow, 544 or Sport emblem (#663509) on the front hood lifter. All PV544 B18D versions were badged with the Sport emblem(#663509) or the square Sport badge (#671189) after chassis #419300 on the trunk. There even was a smaller Sport emblem on the radio delete plate of the B16B PV544 A and B (part#659747)! So, it is conceivable that an A or B model PV544 could have 3 separate Sport emblems - hood, no radio plate and trunk!

The following is for Tony's records, but shows some interesting variations for the late 444 and early 544 models.

I will also say there never was a 444 Sport badged model, even though the early American PV444 model came with the B14A 70 h.p. motor with dual SU HS2 carburetors. This engine was destined for the P1900 and was never offered in Sweden in their PV444. The last PV444 L-LS model (Jan. 1957 - August 1958) was upgraded with the B16A (66 hp SAE) and the B16B (85 hp SAE) both available in North America. My resources indicate:

PV444 L 44403 Std (10932 produced), 44404 Spec (34837), 44408 Spec USA (17782) and 44409 Std USA (536)

The "Spec" or Special had stainless steel fender trim and a more deluxe interior, but not necessarily the B16B motor.

The last digit indicates 3 - B16A, H6 (3-speed single Zenith-Stromberg)
4 - B16A H6 or B16B M4 (4 speed as in my Amazon-S)
8 - B16B H6 (3 speed) or more common M4
9 - B16D H6 (only 72 hp SAE and 3 speed)*
* never seen one of these but maybe this was the 1958 444 model sold in Canada?

To make things more complex, the A PV544 models were:

1 Standard USA B16A, M30 (3 speed synchro)
2 Special USA B16A, M4
3 Standard B16A, H6
4 Special II B16A, M4
5 Special I B16A, H6
6 Sport B16B, M4
7 Sport B16B, H6
8 Sport USA B16B, M4
9 Sport USA B16B, H6

so, you can see the first PV544 came in many combinations, even here in North America. So, to conclude, the Sport was a specific model, sold in all markets and not exclusive to USA. Also, there was a non-Sport model sold in NA.

The B PV544 changed the VIN number but did exist with either a B16A or B and surprisingly in Europe with a B18A or B18B and the P1800 B18B - don't think these made it over to the USA. Another surprise to me was the variety of transmissions:

1 and 2 - M30 (3 speed with synchro)
3 - M31 (3 speed with O/D - I saw one in Holland on the shelf!)
4 - M40
5 - M41 (4 speed with O/D - in a PV544?)
6 - BW35 automatic
8 - M40 overseas (i.e. USA/Canada)

Many of these combination may be very rare or possibly never produced, IMHO!





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Cam a.k.a. CVOLVO.COM