Description
This Volvo 144 has been extensively campaigned since being prepared for rally use and is being offered for sale as a highly eligible and competitive entry-level car.
Introduced in 1966, the 140 series was a replacement for the famous Amazon model and was originally launched with the 1. 8-litre, four-cylinder B18 engine. For 1969, that was replaced by the 2-litre B20, and there was the option of two-door, four-door, or five-door estate models – plus the six-cylinder 164.
Even though the 140 would be replaced in late 1974 by the new 240 series, its boxy, angular styling marked a change of direction for Volvo and would be carried through into the 1990s.
The history file for this particular Volvo 144 includes its original bill of sale, which shows that it was bought new by Donald Budd in August 1973, from the Dando’s dealership in Chipping Sodbury, near Bristol. In fact, the original dealer sticker is still in the rear window.
Mr Budd kept the car until 1987, when it passed to its second owner. He then kept it until January 2003, and it had been in storage for the last few years of that period. Its next owner – only its third from new – then decided to turn it into something that he could use for historic road-rallying.
He fitted a replacement B20 engine with twin 1. 75in SU carburettors and a B20E big-valve cylinder head, plus a bespoke stainless-steel exhaust. A genuine Dana limited-slip diff was installed, Bilstein dampers fitted all round, as well as uprated springs. Inside, it gained a rare Volvo R Sport instrument binnacle.
It then competed in the HRCR Clubmans Championship and tackled Le Jog on five occasions netting class wins each time, before passing to a new owner in 2011.
The engine was rebuilt in 2018, and the front suspension was stripped, shotblasted, painted and reassembled. The following year, the Volvo was treated to some bodywork repairs to the outer sills, front inner wings, engine bay, nearside floors front and rear.
Its current specification includes a Ford five-speed gearbox, a rear roll-cage, sump guard, Sparco seats, OMP harnesses and servo-assisted disc brakes all round. The front suspension has been reinforced and Polybushes fitted throughout, a heavy-duty radiator takes care of cooling, and inside there is a Brantz timer and tripmeter. The rear seat has also been removed and the area trimmed so that there’s space for extra bags and equipment.
This Volvo comes with a huge spares package that even includes a long-range fuel tank, and it’s a quick, strong and simple car suggesting it is a perfect entry car for historic road rallying in the UK and even further afield too.
Our client is enthusiastic to find a new home for this exceptionally prepared car so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to arrange to view.
The car is currently with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, the RPS Storage facility and available for inspection. All viewings and test drives welcomed through direct contact with Rally Preparation Services.
All viewings and test drives welcomed by appointment at Rally Preparation Services.
All enquiries please contact us on using the button below or telephone +44(0)the details below
Specifications
Date of original manufacture – 07/ 08/ 1973
K type camshaft
123 Ignition system
M44 gearbox from a 164 Volvo
Paddle clutch
LSD
Strengthened suspension
Polu Bushes throughout
Bilstein Dampers
Underbody protection
Brantz Trip Meter
Brantz Timer
Map Light
Sparco Rally Seats
Roll Cage Light
Rear Roll Cage
Safety Harness’
Mota Lita leather steering wheel
Considerable spares package
