Wartime fuel shortages forced some PV53-56s onto wood power — cars towed a wood-gas generator on a trailer behind them, the engine converted to run without a drop of petrol.
Lead trim: PV53-PV56 3.7 EC I6
Volvo PV51-PV56PV53 · 1938–1945
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Volvo PV51-PV56 yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactWartime fuel shortages forced some PV53-56s onto wood power — cars towed a wood-gas generator on a trailer behind them, the engine converted to run without a drop of petrol.
In the autumn of 1938 the PV51-52 was replaced by the PV53-56, with a new front end with a wedge-shaped grille, modified suspension and steering and an uprated interior and dashboard; the types 53 and 55 got a cover with a spare-wheel pressing rather than the full boot and floor-mounted spare of the PV54 and 56. After the outbreak of the Second World War production continued, mainly to supply the Swedish Armed Forces and other official functions, most wartime cars running on a wood-gas generator on a trailer, which cut the power to around 50 PS. Built: PV53 1938–1945, 1,204 cars (base); PV54 814 (base with larger boot); PV55 286 (de luxe); PV56 1,321 (de luxe with larger boot); PV57 275 (commercial chassis). Engine 3,670 cc (3.7 L) EC six with a 3-speed manual with optional overdrive, wheelbase 113.4 in, curb weight 3,395 lb (listed for the PV51-PV56 range).
Collectors Spotted in the Volvo PV51-PV56 Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Volvo PV51-PV56 yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
One published trim in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PV53-PV56 3.7 EC I6 | 1938–1945 | 3.7 L Inline-6 | 80 hp | — | — | RWD | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
Wartime fuel shortages forced some PV53-56s onto wood power — cars towed a wood-gas generator on a trailer behind them, the engine converted to run without a drop of petrol.
Volvo built this budget PV51 by bolting a cheaper, simplified cabin onto the rear bodywork of its pricier PV36 Carioca — new face, familiar back end, lower price.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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