1959 Volvo PV544 Rally Car
- Engine
- B18 inline-four
A Volvo PV544 two-door fastback prepared and campaigned as a historic rally car, with a long association with Irish competitor Frank Fennell and co-driver Dermot Carnegie. The car has accumulated an extensive winning record across European, UK, and Irish historic rallying, including victories at the Monte Challenge, Winter Trial, San Remo, and the European Regularity Championship. Mechanically well-developed, it features a rebuilt engine producing approximately 140 bhp, a 4.88 final drive ratio, overdrive, and a Group 4 fuel tank, and holds FIVA papers.
Ownership
- 2023-02-24Auction saleSold £23,000 (≈ $29K)
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownFrank Fennellpartial documentation
Long-standing enthusiast owner who has campaigned the car across Europe, the UK, and Ireland for over 30 years, also rallying it alongside co-driver Dermot Carnegie. Fennell is reported to be retiring from the sport after a 56-year career.
Competition
- —Monte ChallengeDriver: Frank Fennell1st
One of several historic rally victories credited to Fennell during his ownership; co-driver Dermot Carnegie also drove the car at various events.
- —Winter TrialDriver: Frank Fennell1st (twice)
Won on two separate occasions during Fennell's ownership.
- —San Remo RallyDriver: Frank Fennell1st
- —Targa RusticanaDriver: Frank Fennell1st (three times)
- —Illuminations RallyDriver: Frank Fennell1st (twice)
- —European Regularity ChampionshipEuropean Regularity ChampionshipDriver: Frank Fennell1st overall (inaugural winner)
Fennell is credited as the first-ever winner of this championship.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2021Maintenance
Complete replacement of all electrical systems throughout the car.
- —Engine rebuild
Full engine rebuild resulting in an output of approximately 140 bhp with strong torque characteristics.
The car has participated in only two events since this rebuild was completed.
- —Bodywork
Repainted in red; car has had only one outing since the fresh paintwork was applied.
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