Well, It's been a little quiet and I was wondering if it got all bunch up. I was right. This is a great topic and there is no absolute answer. The big question is "What are you going to do with it?" On July 15,2004 I bought a 1957 444 to replace my 1960 544 as my "winter car". I registered this new "V2" today November 16,2004!
After 20+ years of wintering a 544 I knew what I wanted. 12 volts, B20 bored 030 and polished and race preped. Lightened Flywheel, M41 and 4 wheel discs. 140 front member and 140 steering with a 1800ES automatic rear axle (3.91 with overdrive is a 3.73 final drive ratio) SU's with KN air filters (cone shaped) Headers coated in ceramic, 2" exhaust, turbo wheels, 195x60 15, Fiberglass (one piece) front fenders and hood with fiberglass rear fenders. Shifter from an ES (short) and lots of sound and temp insulation. No Bumpers. Two Heaters. Tilton pedals, Saturn seats, SunVisor and fuel cell (16 Gallon). I took my 1800ES off the road today and will be using this 1957 car as transportation. I do about 25,000 miles per year and have done over 16K since April in the ES. It was my only summer car. I'll have some pictures in the next day or so and I'll link you up from this forum when available. I haven't even washed it because the front clip went on yesterday while the rear fenders will be attached tonight. Headliner tomorrow, along with turnsignals and wipers. And I did it before any salt hit my 1800ES that I've driven every summer since 1980.
So the question of "what am I going to do with it?" Drive it! Everywhere! Anywhere! To me it has become the perfect car (for me). Old, Volvo, dependable, cool fast, cool look, my car! Not sure but I think my 1800ES will take a year or two off while I work this 444.

Christopher Virgilthevolvo Georger V2