Gorilla Whale: 1960 Volvo PV544
The name of the Japanese monster Godzilla (Gojira) is is combination of the Japanese words for gorilla (gorira) and whale (kujira) — a fitting name give his enormous strength, mammalian intelligence, and aquatic upbringing. Currently the Nissan GTR is given the nickname Godzilla — but it isn’t an apt moniker for a car that is so cunningly clinical and razor sharp in its quest for speed. The real Godzilla was known for razing a few blocks of downtown Toyko apartment buildings with an accidental swish of his tail, so I think this Swedish monster is the real Gorilla-Whale. Find this 1960 Volvo PV544 offered for $4,200 in Bend, OR via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!
I couldn’t tell you if this thing was awakened by a leaking nuclear waste, but I can tell you that the original 1960 Volvo whale body was been given a thoroughly insane make-over and it doesn’t look like anything that spins is remotely related to the PV544.
Powering this reptilian varmint is a small block Chevy V8 that has been decked and equipped with 30 over TRW 11.5:1 pistons and slathered in chrome.
The inside features only the best in diamond plate, B&M shifters, and shoe-shaped gas pedals — unfortunately the roll cage won’t save you from the diamond plate, B&M shifters, shoe-shaped gas pedals.
See a better way to scare your kids? tips@dailyturismo.com
Too bad the motor borked. That must be frustrating after all the work the guy did to his car. Odd that he took the time to carefully paint the word Broken on the front of the car. Extra gauges on the engine side of the firewall, looks like a line lock solenoid on the master cylinder lots of money and time spent on this car. Good luck with sale.
Clearly a labor of love for the seller. I definitely feel for him. Must have happened recently, as he cannot even bring himself to take the heads off and see what's what, he is so frustrated.
Next project, my brother. On to the next project when the time is right.