History Driver 1960s

Tom Trana

Overview Achievements Vehicles Style & Legacy

Overview

Tom Trana, born in 1937 in Kristinehamn, Sweden, was one of the most electrifying rally drivers of the 1960s. Representing Volvo during its factory motorsport push, Trana earned fame for his fearless, high-speed driving and dramatic victories in some of Europe’s most prestigious events. Nicknamed "The Horseman from Kristinehamn," he helped transform Volvo’s public image from conservative to competitive by pushing their rear-wheel-drive sedans to their limits, and often beyond. His fearless style made him a fan favorite and a national hero in Sweden.

🏆 Major Achievements

1963 and 1964 Tulip Rally Winner, Dominated the Dutch-based rally in consecutive years, establishing Volvo’s presence on fast European tarmac and gravel stages.
1964 RAC Rally Winner, Achieved his most iconic victory, beating factory teams from BMC, Ford, and Saab on one of the world’s most competitive gravel events.
Multiple podiums – Swedish Rally and Acropolis Rally (1960s), Showcased versatility on both snow and rough gravel terrain.

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.

Vehicle Highlights

  • 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.

Driving Style & Legacy

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.

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