History 1960s

1965 RAC Rally (United Kingdom)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1965 RAC Rally (Royal Automobile Club Rally)

Date: November 13–18, 1965

Start/Finish Location: Torquay, England

Total Distance: Approximately 2,000 kilometers

Participating Teams: Over 160 crews

The 1965 RAC Rally cemented its status as one of the most demanding events on the European rally calendar. Traversing forests, moors, and remote countryside across England, Wales, and Scotland, the event featured dozens of timed stages on treacherous gravel. With unpredictable British weather and minimal service opportunities, it tested mechanical reliability, co-driver precision, and sheer endurance.

Route

Welsh Forests: Slippery trails such as Dyfi and Myherin challenged visibility and grip.
Yorkshire & Lake District: Fast, flowing stages over rugged terrain and open fells.
Scottish Borders: Harsh and remote sections with limited support and extreme weather shifts.

The event navigated iconic British rally terrain, including:

The rally featured 56 special stages and offered little margin for error due to its nonstop format and strict timing windows.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Timo Mäkinen & Paul Easter · Austin-Healey 3000 MkIII
2nd Place
Rauno Aaltonen & Henry Liddon · Mini Cooper S
3rd Place
Roger Clark & Jim Porter · Ford Lotus Cortina

Mäkinen's aggressive yet controlled drive through the forests of Britain earned him his second consecutive RAC Rally win. Aaltonen displayed the Mini's prowess on tight and muddy sections, while Roger Clark emerged as a British fan favorite with a strong podium finish.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Heavy Rain & Fog: Reduced visibility and soaked roads made pace notes and light setups critical.
  • Cold & Ice: Freezing overnight temperatures created dangerous conditions in forests and uplands.
  • Endurance Pressure: Minimal service stops and relentless pace exhausted both crews and machines.

The 1965 RAC Rally was a masterclass in long-format gravel rallying, demanding teamwork, grit, and mechanical mastery to reach the finish line.

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