Timo Mäkinen

Mäkinen was more than just fast — he was legendary for pushing cars to their limit and rarely backing off. His triple RAC win sealed his status as one of the greatest of his era.

• Mini Cooper S: Gained early fame with spectacular drives in the Mini, especially in Monte Carlo and 1000 Lakes.
• Ford Escort RS1600: His dominant RAC Rally runs came behind the wheel of this legendary RWD machine.
• Peugeot 504: Drove endurance-focused events like the Safari Rally with Peugeot’s durable, large-bodied sedan.

Mäkinen’s commitment to finishing rallies — no matter the obstacles — made him a factory favorite. His feedback helped shape suspension durability and drivetrain setup for long-distance endurance events.

Aggressive, instinctive, and relentless — Mäkinen embodied the original Flying Finn archetype. He rarely lifted and had an uncanny feel for grip, even at breakneck speeds on loose surfaces. His courage and sheer pace made him a hero to fans and peers alike. Long after retiring, he remained a symbol of Finland’s rallying prowess and was one of the sport’s earliest household names.

Mäkinen formed strong bonds with co-drivers like Henry Liddon and Paul Easter, relying on crisp pace notes and reactive adjustments on unfamiliar terrain. He was known for being calm under pressure and trusted his teams to prepare bulletproof cars for unforgiving rallies. His teamwork on and off the stage helped make him one of the most effective competitors in the 1970s rallying scene.