Help with 144 Rally project wanted.

Hello all.

I'm new on here so would like to say a big Hi to everyone and ask what will probably be the first of many questions.

For several years I have been doing bits of rallying with various V4 SAAB 96's. I always used Volvo 240 estates as tow cars/ service vehicles. One day I realised that the Volvo would be a much better proposition as a rally car, they were bombproof and had superb handling for such a large car. I always fancied building a 144S to do the BHRC series and show those over priced Ford Escorts a thing or two.

For the last 2 seasons we have campaigned a little 1971 Skoda 120S, with some good results. We have decided to build 2 new cars for next season. Being suckers for punishment we do not want to take the easy route and build a Ford or a Mini. We like things a little different! We intend to build a 1965 Sunbeam Tiger for our current driver in Historics, and I will run a 1972 144S in post Historics. Thats where you lot come in.

I have not got the faintest idea where to start. I have found a donor car and thats it. I need to know who to contact over parts, roll cages, manifolds, cams, exhausts, dampers etc.etc. Also if anyone would like all the standard interior and external trim etc. give me a shout and you can have it for a few bob for the cost of postage etc.
Before I get cursed for 'ruining' a good 144S, let me say that it is bodily poor and beyond sane economic restoration (members of the Skoda owners club sent us very nasty e-mails and abusive letters for building a 120S rally car, even though it was on Ebay twice and was very cheap!!)

I would be eternally greatful if you could point me in the right direction.

Regards
Si

[dennisl1]

Whilst I personally am not able to give you sound advice, I can tell you that the likliehood of receiving abuse for rallying a 144 is unlikely in the extreme. There are a number of club members doing just this already and hopefully they will be able to help. There are also a number of commercial organisations who can prepare your Volvo for you as they are doing it all the time. But if you want to do it yourself I expect you will get help from this site.

I'll keep an eye on this thread and if nothing is forthcoming I'll get back to you.

Best wishes

Dennis

[Mike_Brace]

Welcome to forum - what a wise decision to go for a 144. The Swedes have done a lot with these over the years at club levels. I suggest you give Dai (Classic Swede) a ring of an evening or weekend on 01407 832290. He should be able to point you in the right directions and give plenty of advice.

Mike

[dennisl1]

Further to my last message I have made contact with a club member who regularly rallies a fully prepared 144. He is happy to speak with you. If you would email him
E-mail Address(es):
john@griffiths313.fsnet.co.uk you can arrange a mutual time to chat.

Good luck with the project.

Dennis

[Citizen.Agfa]

>Also if anyone would like all the standard interior and external trim etc. give me a shout and you can have it for a few bob for the cost of postage etc.<

Hello, peeps. I'm in West Wales, where you at?

Regards, Nick H, owner of a '71 2.0i 144DL.

Hello again

Thanks for the help and welcome guys. Thanks for the contact Dennis, I will be in touch sometime over the weekend. Its good to know I won't get lynched for choosing a Volvo!. The ironic thing about running a Skoda 120S, and winning the post historic 1300 class in the British Historic Championship is that interest in them has mushroomed and values have risen, yet there are still people in the Skoda club that turn there noses up at us. Some people eh?
As I run my own rally prep business I will be doing all the work myself, its help with sourcing parts and getting specifications I will need. There is loads of info about on more popular makes and models but as soon as you choose something a little different you start to struggle a little. What did we all do before t'internet??
Nick H, I'm up in Northumberland. We shall be in Llangollen, Balla and Ruthin (a little nearer you)on April 1st with the Skoda on the Astra Stages if you want anything bringing down, I'm sure we could find space in the van.

Thanks again all

[Bob]

If you contact Jack Cluer on email at jackcluervoc /at/ onetel /dot/ net he is just putting an article together on this very topic.

Bob

[Citizen.Agfa]

Originally Posted by SJR HISTORIC

Hello again

Nick H, I'm up in Northumberland. We shall be in Llangollen, Balla and Ruthin (a little nearer you)on April 1st with the Skoda on the Astra Stages if you want anything bringing down, I'm sure we could find space in the van.

Thanks again all

You are not wrong there; Bala is about two and a bit hours from me (in the little Knobbly van-don't ask!). What, precisely, are you looking to unload? I notice you say standard interior- does that mean seats 'n' all, or just the door cards etc? I appreciate that, as you are mod-ing the vehicle you won't want to be faffing about with some bits here, some bits there, a few more up the bracket, etc, so if I'm going to commit I'd need a ball park figure (sorry for straying off into managament-speak) for quantity (of bits) and quantity of sovs.

P.M. me if you prefer.

Yours, in quivering anticipation, Nick.

not sure yet whats needed and whats not. I'm sure we will be getting rid of the seats, carpets, glass, chrome bits, rear door cards, centre console, boot trim, std wheels and trims, steering wheel etc. I have yet to have a good look around the car, its in storage. Will look over the weekend and report back. I have no idea what any of this stuff is worth.

cheers
Si

[classicswede]

I do a full range of parts for the 140's including various springs dampers bushes and engine parts. I would need to know what type of events you wish to compete in. Give me a call 01407 832 290