Timo Mäkinen

Mäkinen’s string of wins on the RAC Rally solidified both his personal legacy and the legend of the Mini Cooper S in rally history. His pace and confidence under pressure made him a regular favorite on entry lists across Europe.

• Mini Cooper S: Mäkinen’s most famous victories came in this front-wheel-drive icon. Its agility and traction suited his fast, aggressive style on twisty stages like the RAC and Monte Carlo.
• Ford Lotus Cortina: Piloted in select tarmac and gravel events, showing his mastery of rear-wheel-drive power and balance.

Mäkinen’s ability to switch between lightweight, nimble Minis and powerful rear-drive machines like the Lotus Cortina showcased his adaptability and raw talent.

Timo Mäkinen was known for his unrelenting pace and exceptional car control, often pushing his vehicle right to the edge while maintaining smooth, composed driving. He was a pioneer of flat-out rallying — particularly on narrow, muddy stages — and helped set the standard for the high-speed, risk-reward rally driving that came to define the sport in later decades. He was also known for his brave snow driving and relentless commitment, especially when conditions deteriorated.

Mäkinen’s exploits inspired a generation of Finnish drivers and contributed to Finland’s global rallying reputation. His iconic image, particularly blasting through RAC forest stages in a Mini with the door flapping open, remains one of rallying’s most legendary moments.

Throughout the 1960s, Mäkinen’s primary co-driver was Paul Easter. Their partnership was built on mutual trust, flawless communication, and an instinctive understanding of when to push and when to protect the car. Easter’s precision note calling matched Mäkinen’s aggressive driving style perfectly, especially on blind stages of the RAC Rally and Monte Carlo.

Their teamwork became a gold standard in the sport, proving that success at the highest level required more than just driving talent — it depended on unwavering collaboration and preparation.