No turbos, no wings, all-wheel-drive, homologation specials, or massive manufacturer-supported entries. Perfect.
This was rallying in the ’60s, the last decade of rally competition where most of the vehicles were pretty much stock—to win, competitors needed to be driving a car with great “bones”. It’s when Volvo, Saab, Mini, Citroën, Alpine, and others made their name on rough roads in remote locations.
When viewed today, all looks quite relaxed, doesn’t it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ov5brH94H4
To begin the decade, just look at how, well, stock all of the cars looked! Set aside 15 minutes for this great documentary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBycDg_irbE
Just look at the title: “Driving Tips With Paddy Hopkirk”. How can it not be amazing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZHn1ZmTvr0
One of the highlights of the year is the UK-based round of the World Rally Championship. In 1964, you’d be attending the R.A.C. Rally.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOWc7-vv5cs
This German documentary is on the Liége-Sofia-Liége rally, and depicts sports cars of the time navigating the tricky course, with special attention paid to Mercedes-Benz SLs modified for long-distance rally. Next is a short documentary about Ewy Rosqvist and her win at the “VI Gran Premio Internacional Standard Supermovil YPF”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZfMrjEOQ1c
These two clips from British Pathé may lack sound, but they’re both still incredible to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHEw9zfjK4g
This is an very watchable film from Ford about the 1969 East African Safari Rally and its winning car, the Ford 20MRS.
Image source: http://theredish.com
