Rare classic 1959 Volvo 445 Duett panel wagon, (544, 122) 12 volt, roof rack

Description for Volvo 445 1959

Up for sale is this rarest of the most rare of Volvo's; a 1959 Volvo 445 Duett panel wagon. As far as can be determined, these vehicles were never sold in the states but were custom built in Sweden and used as delivery wagons. The few that are found stateside today are the window-wagon variety. I have collected Volvo's for 35 years and have never seen a panel version like this one in person and this could very well be the only one still on the road in the U.S. Volvo panel vans were built on the Volvo 444/544 chassis and indeed the 445 Duett shares most of its parts with the popular 544 model. Because of this, mechanical parts are still very much available domestically.
In 2016 this particular Duett was stripped down to bare metal, several rust areas (bottom of driver door and bottom of rear door) were repaired with welded metal before paint (single stage urethane). The red is contrasted with Volvo pearl white (paint code 110) trim to mimic those seen in photos from Sweden (google search images to see examples). During the paint work the entire underside of the rust free chassis was wire brushed, prepped and coated in POR-15 rust protectant. Chrome and bumpers are good, but original, and showing wear.
This Duett is far from a concours restoration. The interior is an older restoration done by an earlier owner and many areas are still original. The interior has black carpet, black/white vinyl front bucket seats with a folding rear matching bench seat. The headliner is there but does have a couple of holes. The wood slats and rear wood door panels are original and show some wear (see photos). Front lap seat belts were installed last year. The rear cargo area is 47 inches deep with the rear seat up and 69 inches deep with the rear seat folded down flat. The cargo area floor is 24 inches above the ground. Width of the cargo area between the wheel well intrusions is 41 inches. Glass is good all around
The engine is a smooth running B16 Volvo engine with new mechanical fuel pump, dual SU carbs, a manual choke and 4-speed manual transmission. Everything except the starter has been converted to 12 volt and there's a new Interstate 12v battery. My Volvo mechanic tells me the 12 volt system will not adversely hurt the starter unless it were cranked for an extended duration (over 30-45 seconds). The fuel and temp gauge does not work. The speedo works but odometer does not. Wipers and horn work. The e-brake works. The original radio is there but there is no speaker connected. Behind the glove box door is a missing glove box.
I recently had all four wheels removed, installed new wheel studs/bolts and checked all brakes. The left front wheel cylinder and hose was replaced. All four tires are in good shape and all four wheels wear their stock hub caps.
On the roof is an all original Duett roof rack (rare and very valuable all by itself). The slats were painted black and the bars were sanded and painted silver.
I can guarantee you'll get lots of attention at your next car show or Cars & Coffee with this 445 since most people have never ever seen one before. Be prepared for lots of comments, questions and compliments! The Duett panel van could be a great attention-grabbing advertising vehicle for a business or just a fun weekend collectible for the collector who is really looking for something rare, unique and distinctive. It will only increase in value.
Located in Earlysville, Va (near the Charlottesville, Va. airport), about 2 hours southwest of Washington D.C. Personal inspections are encouraged. Happy to assist with your shipper. Sold strictly as-is with no warranty given or implied. I will be happy to answer all questions via email through Ebay. The wagon is also advertised on other classic car sites and this listing will be withdrawn when sold.