Ove Andersson

Though not as decorated as some contemporaries, Andersson’s blend of speed and mechanical empathy made him a key figure during rallying’s formative WRC years. His legacy is as much managerial as it is behind the wheel.

• Alpine-Renault A110: His Monte Carlo-winning car, perfectly suited to his tidy driving on mountain roads.
• Saab 96: Early-career car that helped Andersson rise through the Scandinavian rally ranks.
• Toyota Celica 1600 GT: Drove Toyota entries in the Safari and other endurance events, later developing the brand into a global contender.

Andersson’s engineering intuition and calm temperament made him a natural development driver. His input helped evolve Toyota’s early rally cars into serious competitors on the world stage.

Ove Andersson was admired for his thoughtful and composed driving style. He avoided unnecessary risk, preserving his car and tires while still maintaining top pace. His ability to think long-term — both in rallies and in building teams — made him one of the most strategic minds in motorsport. As Toyota’s rally operations grew under his leadership, he mentored a generation of engineers and drivers who would dominate the sport in the 1990s and 2000s.

Andersson worked with several trusted co-drivers during his career, including John Davenport and Henry Liddon. His professional attitude and respect for the co-driver’s role helped foster smooth and disciplined stage performance. Later, as a team boss, he maintained a culture of mutual trust and loyalty between drivers, co-drivers, and engineers — a legacy that lived on through Toyota’s championship success well beyond his active years in the car.