Volvo 240 / 740 / 940 with an M45 transmission (electronic overdrive disabled) is the answer. You can have lots of fun with a stock 240. The only real mod is needs for low-pace gravel driving is a set of 240 diesel wheels - the multi-spoke diesel wheels are stronger than Virgos.

Now, that said.... Over 200hp, you can swap the transmission to a T5 because you'll start breaking M45s. If you want to get faster, you can get go-fast parts from Stefansson/SAM in Sweden and even custom cast heads from Kent Carlsson for 8v and 16v NA and turbo motors and a Tractive or SADEV sequential gear box and build it to full Swedish Grp. H spec.

I spent 10 years rallying professionally with Mitsubishi and Subaru. But I have never had more fun than rallying in a 240. They make great noises, the rear suspension travel is massive, so they are comfortable, and provided you stay under 200hp, the rear axles and drivelines are very sturdy. The wheelbase is too long at 104" - right around 100" would be better, but then you deal with other issues; for instance, there is a reason every MkII Escort still racing uses Volvo 240 five-bolt hubs...

Now... some pictures....

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The blue and silver car is the most advanced 240 ever built... Tractive 5 speed sequential dogbox, Motec M8 ECU, Kent Carlsson Evo head, Omega pistons, Verdi rods, Doug Kiddie crank, Crane Cams, Sellholm Tuning coil-overs, Alcon/AP brakes, etc. etc. etc.