SEMA is approaching, and soon manufacturers and tuning shops will begin unveiling details about the extraordinary showcase projects they’ll exhibit in Las Vegas in November. Volvo and BASF have joined forces with Bogi Lateiner, the founder of Girl Gang Garage, to transform a 1961 Volvo PV544 into a plug-in hybrid by incorporating a new S60 T8 Recharge drivetrain. Now, they’re offering enthusiasts an opportunity to contribute.
Lateiner is a prominent figure in the realm of custom car modifications. This marks the third project undertaken by Girl Gang Garage, a collaborative endeavor she initiated in 2016 to empower women in the field of automotive restoration and maintenance. This project is the second collaboration with BASF and the third SEMA endeavor overall for the garage, with the previous two being revamped classic Chevy pickups.
Dubbed the Iron Maven by the team, this project is their most ambitious yet, involving a team of over 150 women working to convert the original barn-find PV544 into a contemporary 415-horsepower hybrid hot rod. The refurbishment will incorporate as much of the S60 features as possible, including a modern infotainment system and a Polestar suspension setup, to provide a comprehensive modernization. To handle the increased power output from the turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motors (in contrast to the PV544’s original 67 horsepower), a custom widebody has already been added. Recent images also showcase modern Volvo wheels on the vehicle.
The final color for the project can now be voted on, but the reveal will be saved for SEMA, with all future updates of the vehicle post-painting shown in black and white. The finished project car will be unveiled on the opening day of this year’s SEMA show, scheduled for November 1.
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