Tom Trana

Trana’s success in the mid-1960s placed Volvo at the heart of European rallying and made him one of the most feared names on any entry list.

• Volvo PV544: Used in his early career; Trana showed the world that a utilitarian two-door sedan could be brutally fast in skilled hands, especially in Scandinavian conditions.
• Volvo Amazon (122S): Drove this car to victory in the 1964 RAC Rally, showcasing its surprising agility and resilience on British gravel.

Trana’s control of rear-wheel-drive Volvos on loose surfaces became legendary. His ability to extract speed from heavy machinery helped shape public perception of Volvo performance and inspired generations of Scandinavian drivers.

Tom Trana was known for his bold, full-attack driving style. He cornered on instinct, throttle-steering his way through snowy forests and mountain passes. While this aggressive style made him a crowd favorite, it also brought risk — but when everything came together, few could match his speed. He was one of the first to demonstrate how commitment and car control could overcome power and weight disadvantages, particularly on gravel stages.

Trana's tragic crash in the 1965 1000 Lakes Rally, which killed co-driver Gunnar Thermaenius, cast a shadow over his career. Though he continued competing into the late '60s, he gradually stepped back from factory-level competition. Nonetheless, his 1960s legacy remains central to Volvo’s motorsport history and Sweden’s rally heritage.

Trana’s partnership with co-driver Gunnar Thermaenius was one of the most respected in rallying before the 1965 tragedy. Their coordination allowed Trana to maintain his aggressive style while staying on course through complex forest stages. After Thermaenius’s death, Trana raced less frequently and more cautiously, but retained a deep respect for co-drivers and engineers alike.

His humility, fierce loyalty to Volvo, and collaboration with the Swedish motorsport community made him a beloved figure even after his competitive career ended.