Rally Preparation Services is very happy to offer for sale this proven robust and extremely reliable Volvo Classic rally car.
The Volvo 144 was introduced in 1966 as a replacement to the successful Amazon. The three digit model name was brought about after a trade mark dispute over the “Amazon” name with a German motorcycle manufacturer so a 144 is a first model series with a four cylinder engine and a four door body. Always designed to be robust and safe with integral crumple zones and a rigid safety cell with a roll over bar were all incorporated into the vehicle structure. In fact Volvo in the U.S. marketed the car with the strap line “Are you in the market for a hardtop?” next to a picture of seven unmodified 144s stacked on top each other highlighting the integral safety cell. Meanwhile in the UK the sales advertisements took a more conservative approach and concentrated on the safety side of disc brakes, seat belts, and a lack of unwelcome protruding parts in the cabin to promote the safety message.
This Volvo started its rallying career as a contemporary stage rally car and so the preparation work was carried out to the appropriate high standard required for stage rallying. The body was taken back to a bare shell, seam welded and suitable reinforcement was added to the suspension and steering mountings. An alloy sump-guard, uprated suspension and limited slip differential are all installed. To comply with the mandatory safety requirements for stage rallies, a Safety Devices roll cage, TRS harnesses and a plumbed in fire extinguisher have been fitted. Subsequently this Volvo’s rallying career has moved to long distance classic rallying and a large capacity fuel tank has been fitted. In keeping with the original design ethos of the 144, this is a well-engineered and properly constructed tough work horse that is ready to compete on just about any event you may choose and is super fun to drive. Indeed, this car has completed notable long distance events already including Trans America and Rally Rounds Road to Mandalay in Asia finishing second in its class amongst others. Recently it completed our own Tin Cup event without any issues and has since been checked over and signed off as “ready to go rallying.”
All viewings welcomed by appointment only at Rally Preparation Services. All enquiries please to Martin on [email protected] or telephone 01993 358009
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