Description
Volvo has a proud history in rallying, starting in the 1950s with the PV444 – a model that helped to establish the Swedish marque’s reputation for rugged reliability. Perhaps its finest hour came in 1965, when Joginder Singh won the gruelling Safari Rally in a PV544, overcoming not only the challenging route but also rivals from Peugeot, Ford and Mercedes.
Volvo launched its 140 series in 1966, with its minimalist ‘three box’ styling setting a template that the marque would follow in years to come. The lighter, two-door 142 variant was introduced in mid-1967, and shortly afterwards the existing 1. 8-litre four-cylinder B18 engine was enlarged to become the 2-litre B20.
The 140 series lasted until 1974, when it morphed into the updated 240, and the 142 being offered for sale here was first registered in 1970. It’s a left-hand-drive, 2-litre example that was imported to the UK from Sweden and then converted into a rally car between 2020 and 2023.
The B20 engine features an uprated camshaft and a cylinder head by rally-preparation specialist Kevin Savage, plus a 2mm head gasket, twin SU HS6 carburettors and a later-type air filter. The extensive specification also includes a four-branch manifold with Simons 2in exhaust, Bilstein dampers all round, and a Quaife limited-slip diff.
A new Bosch starter motor was fitted in 2022, along with a new fuel pump. During that same year, the brake calipers were rebuilt, as was the rear axle. More recent work has included a new radiator in 2024, plus new bushes and ball joints throughout the suspension. A sump guard has also been fitted.
Inside, there’s a full Safety Devices roll cage, reclining rally seats with four-point harnesses, a Brantz tripmeter and RoamerTime clock, plus additional gauges for oil pressure and voltage, and a rev counter. There’s also an interior nav light, a Poti socket with USB, and a fire extinguisher.
Not only is this a well specified and prepared Volvo 142, it’s also proved itself to be reliable and highly competitive. It completed LeJog in 2023, finishing a superb seventh overall, and with a Silver Medal. It has also taken part in the Coppa d’Europa in both 2024 and 2025, when the route took competitors from Maastricht to Prague, as well as the 2024 Rally of the Tests.
The comprehensive spares package includes the original cylinder head, two extra sets of wheels, and a selection of body panels. Now being offered for sale by Rally Preparation Services, this Volvo 142 is an extremely accessible and dependable choice of historic rally car, which is eligible for a range of prestigious events as either a starter car for a budding rally enthusiast looking to go rallying or an educated choice for reliability.
The car is currently with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, the RPS storage facility and available for inspection.
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
