Pauli Toivonen

While his Monte Carlo win was shrouded in controversy, Toivonen never gloated about the result and accepted it with humility — a reflection of his character and professionalism.

• Citroën DS 21: Driven to victory at the 1966 Monte Carlo Rally; its hydropneumatic suspension system was especially effective on snow and rough tarmac.
• Porsche 911: Became his main competition car in the latter half of the 1960s, delivering podiums on fast asphalt rallies like the Coupe des Alpes and Acropolis Rally.
• Saab 96: Competed with earlier in the decade, especially at Scandinavian events like the 1000 Lakes Rally.

Toivonen’s ability to transition smoothly between FWD, RWD, and vastly different engineering concepts made him invaluable to manufacturers during an era of rapid development and experimentation.

Pauli Toivonen was known for his intelligent, methodical approach to rallying. He prioritized car preservation, precision, and clean navigation over risk-taking. His calm under pressure allowed him to consistently finish rallies others failed to complete. Toivonen became a role model for professional conduct in motorsport and was highly respected by factory teams for his feedback and technical insights.

His legacy was later extended by his son, Henri Toivonen, who became one of the most talented rally drivers of the 1980s. Together, they remain one of Finland’s most iconic motorsport families.

Toivonen worked with several experienced co-drivers throughout the 1960s and maintained excellent team communication — especially important in long-format rallies like the Coupe des Alpes and Acropolis. His preference for detailed pacenotes and mechanical sympathy made him a consistent finisher, which factory teams valued highly.

His partnerships were built on mutual respect and calm collaboration, reinforcing his reputation as a gentleman competitor in an increasingly high-stakes sport.