By Chris Tropea
Apr 21, 2020
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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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.
4/22/20 12:34 p.m.
In reply to sir_mike :
Totally unofficial but, yeah, I could see this one being vintage eligible.
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.
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.
4/22/20 1:30 p.m.
All I know is that car is super rad!
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.
4/22/20 5:25 p.m.
A 140 is light years ahead of a 122 for road racing, unless you are going all GT3 on it.
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.
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.
4/22/20 8:19 p.m.
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.
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