Vic Elford

Elford’s rally career in the 1960s laid the foundation for his transition into endurance racing, making him one of the rare drivers to succeed at the highest level in multiple disciplines.

• Porsche 911: His championship-winning and Monte Carlo Rally car; Elford mastered its tricky rear-engine dynamics on snow, ice, and asphalt.
• Ford Cortina Lotus: Raced earlier in his rally career before joining Porsche, showcasing his versatility with front- and rear-wheel-drive machines.

Elford’s finesse, particularly in controlling the oversteer-prone 911 on slippery mountain passes, became part of his legend — and helped validate Porsche’s entry into competitive rallying.

Vic Elford was known for his smooth yet aggressive driving style, exceptional adaptability, and calm decision-making under pressure. His 1968 Monte Carlo Rally win — including a comeback from a tire change delay on the opening stage — exemplified his mental toughness and strategic mind. Beyond rallying, Elford would go on to win the 1968 Targa Florio and 24 Hours of Daytona just weeks after Monte Carlo, cementing his legacy as one of motorsport’s most complete drivers.

His multi-disciplinary success inspired many future drivers to branch across categories, and he remains an icon of versatility and determination.

Elford’s 1968 Monte Carlo Rally victory was achieved alongside co-driver David Stone, whose precise pacenotes and unshakable composure proved critical during their comeback. Their longstanding partnership was built on trust and detailed preparation, helping them tackle long-format events across Europe.

Elford consistently credited his co-drivers for his rally success, and his appreciation for teamwork carried through into his later circuit racing and endurance efforts.