History 1960s

1968 Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1968 Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo

Date: January 20–27, 1968

Start Locations: Eight European cities including Athens, Oslo, Warsaw, and Lisbon

Finish Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco

Total Starters: Over 250 crews

Total Finishers: 160 crews

The 1968 Monte Carlo Rally marked the 37th edition of the legendary winter event. As one of the most anticipated and competitive rallies of the European calendar, it combined long-distance navigation with high-stakes driving through snowbound mountain roads and hairpin descents. Political tensions in France that year nearly caused cancellation, but the rally pushed forward, offering a dramatic start to the season.

Route

Col de Turini: The iconic night-time climb featured icy corners, narrow roads, and fan-lined switchbacks.
Mont Ventoux: Provided sweeping elevation and extreme weather variance, often in whiteout conditions.
Col de Braus & Mont des Mules: Technical driving tests near the finish line separated contenders from champions.

The event followed the classic format of converging start cities, leading to the concentration run into Monte Carlo, followed by competitive stages in the Maritime Alps:

Drivers had to adjust setups constantly for snow, ice, and slush. Tire selection became one of the most strategic decisions of the event.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Vic Elford & David Stone · Porsche 911T
2nd Place
Pauli Toivonen · Porsche 911
3rd Place
Jean-François Piot · Renault 8 Gordini

Vic Elford’s victory was one of the most legendary in Monte Carlo history. After suffering an early off that cost over 17 minutes, Elford staged a dramatic comeback across the mountain stages, dominating the final leg to clinch victory for Porsche.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Snow-Covered Passes: Required advanced tire management and constant car control at the edge of grip.
  • Col de Turini at Night: The pressure and spectacle of the famed night stage intensified the difficulty of already treacherous terrain.
  • Long Distance Fatigue: Crews traveled thousands of kilometers from their start cities before even reaching competitive stages.

The 1968 Monte Carlo Rally delivered drama, redemption, and mechanical mastery—ultimately remembered for Vic Elford’s heroic drive and Porsche’s continued rise in rally dominance.

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