ChrisTropea
ChrisTropea Associate Editor
4/21/20 1:27 p.m.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/G-dZ3-fhVa8

When looking for a car to compete in wheel-to-wheel racing, a Volvo isn't typically the first choice. For Zach Grant, however, he couldn't be happier with the 1970 Volvo 144 that fell into his lap. Presented by CRC Industries

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sir_mike
sir_mike New Reader
4/22/20 12:16 p.m.

Great article.Love seeing vintage tin tops racing.Might be vintage racing eligible?? Like the Swedish Motors Volvo Amazon that runs on the east coast.What I would like my 69 Cortina to be.

David S. Wallens
David S. Wallens Editorial Director
4/22/20 12:34 p.m.

In reply to sir_mike :

Totally unofficial but, yeah, I could see this one being vintage eligible. 

bentwrench
bentwrench SuperDork
4/22/20 12:46 p.m.

I have chosen a lighter one, a 122. But they need a cage and suspension especially steering and brakes to flog them on pavement.

Set back the motor and narrow a good rear axle.

A 144 might be a better choice, lighter than a 240 series? When did they start the crumple zone stuff? That is not good for racing.

Ian F (Forum Supporter)
Ian F (Forum Supporter) MegaDork
4/22/20 12:51 p.m.

Whether the car is vintage racing eligible will depend on the series rules.  The frotn air dam, for example, might not be allowed in some series.

z31maniac
z31maniac MegaDork
4/22/20 1:30 p.m.

All I know is that car is super rad!

bmw88rider (Forum Supporter)
bmw88rider (Forum Supporter) UltraDork
4/22/20 4:09 p.m.

That's cool. I had a friend run a 142 for a long time and it was just cool. Perfect break from the norm. 

Streetwiseguy
Streetwiseguy MegaDork
4/22/20 5:25 p.m.
bentwrench said:

I have chosen a lighter one, a 122. But they need a cage and suspension especially steering and brakes to flog them on pavement.

Set back the motor and narrow a good rear axle.

A 144 might be a better choice, lighter than a 240 series? When did they start the crumple zone stuff? That is not good for racing.

A 140 is light years ahead of a 122 for road racing, unless you are going all GT3 on it.

buzzboy
buzzboy Dork
4/22/20 5:34 p.m.

I'd really like to get in a B20/m40 car on track. I was working towards that before life changed. They're really revvy little OHV engines and the M40 is a very smooth and surprisingly fast shifting transmission.

Tom1200
Tom1200 Dork
4/22/20 8:13 p.m.

I've owned a 144 rally car and a 142E street car. Do not underestimate 140s; one of the fastest ITB cars in the country is a 142. The B20 motors are capable of 200hp and you can get a 140 down to 2300lbs. The cars can be made obscenely rapid.

DeadSkunk  (Warren)
DeadSkunk (Warren) PowerDork
4/22/20 8:19 p.m.
Tom1200 said:

I've owned a 144 rally car and a 142E street car. Do not underestimate 140s; one of the fastest ITB cars in the country is a 142. The B20 motors are capable of 200hp and you can get a 140 down to 2300lbs. The cars can be made obscenely rapid.

I raced ITB for a number of years. The Volvos were quicker than anything else, including my GTI. The local track record for the class has been held by a 142 for over 15 years. They are a fast car.

Streetwiseguy
Streetwiseguy MegaDork
4/22/20 9:23 p.m.

We shouldn't talk about things like this.  I don't want my 72 142e back after 35 years, especially with all its Rsport rally suspension, because that would be silly.  And no fun at all.

irish44j (Forum Supporter)
irish44j (Forum Supporter) MegaDork
4/22/20 9:49 p.m.

love me some old Volvos. Best one I've seen was up at Tall Pines (stage) Rally last year....though they made them cover up the original Marlboro livery, which was amusing.

 

Tom1200
Tom1200 Dork
4/23/20 9:29 a.m.

I got an eye opener on Volvos the first time I went to Rim of The World Rally; the start of the stage we were working was tarmac, Bill Malik's 240 left to very heavy black marks when it launched.............ever since that day I've never viewed Volvos as boring "safe" cars ever again. They sound great to.

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