Monte Carlo Rally …. Then and Now

The Monte Carlo Rally has been around for a long time (since 1911), and it has always been a very competitive rally. The regulations of the rally must have been very thoughtfully designed, since cars of very different size and scope could compete head on. In 1960 through 1963 a 750 cc Saab 96 and a Mercees Benz 220SE (2200 cc) took turns winning. The Saab was a two stroke engine and front wheel drive; the Mercedes was a four door, rear wheel drive sedan with a regular gasoline engine. The Saab was driven by Erik “on the roof” Carlsson and the Mercedes was piloted by Walter Schlock and Eugene Bohringer.

These cars and this time period was eventually replaced with other winning brands, such as Renault Dauphine, Citroen ID19 and Panhard PL17. These were followed by a period of Mini Coopers, Lancias and Porsches.

And all of this happened before Audi Quattro changed the sport, and all competitors became four wheel drive.

The four videos below show the difference between rallying in 1963-64 and 2015. The difference is pretty spectacular. Judge for yourself.

And here is a view from inside the car … 2015 again.

The Monte Carlo Rally or Rally Monte Carlo (officially Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo) is a rallying event organized each year by the Automobile Club de Monaco which also organizes the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. The rally now takes place along the French Riviera in the Principality of Monaco and southeast France. Previously, competitors would set off from all four corners of Europe and ‘rally’, in other words, meet, in Monaco to celebrate the end of a unique event.

About RocknRoland

Born and raised in Malmo, Sweden. Graduated with a business degree from the University of Lund. Started US subsidiary of listed Swedish business, and run it for 15 years. Owned and operated a US business, Elvex Corporation, for 18 years, Sold the business and retired in February 2012. Married to wife Kerstin for 40 years. We have two grown children and two grandchildren.
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