History 1960s

1969 RAC Rally (United Kingdom)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1969 RAC Rally (Royal Automobile Club Rally)

Date: November 1969

Start/Finish Location: Harrogate, England

Total Distance: Approximately 2,200 kilometers

Participating Teams: Over 160 crews

The 1969 RAC Rally solidified its place as one of the toughest events on the international rally calendar. Held in late autumn, it featured rain-soaked forests, thick fog, and rapid terrain changes across England, Wales, and southern Scotland. The rally was known for its punishing pace, minimal rest, and tight forest stages that demanded maximum driver focus and precise co-driver instructions.

Route

Welsh Forests: Slick, muddy tracks winding through pine woods, especially treacherous after rainfall.

Yorkshire Dales: Tarmac-to-gravel transitions with narrow bridges and stone wall borders.

Scottish Borders: Fast, flowing gravel stretches with variable elevation and low grip zones.

The rally's stages took competitors through the UK's most challenging rally terrain:

Weather played a major role, with constant rain and morning frost turning some routes into slippery, unpredictable tests of traction and visibility.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner

Harry Källström & Gunnar Häggbom · Lancia Fulvia HF

2nd Place

Roger Clark & Jim Porter · Ford Escort Twin Cam

3rd Place

Simo Lampinen & John Davenport · Saab 96 V4

Källström’s win marked a historic triumph for Lancia on British soil, while Clark remained fiercely competitive on home turf. Lampinen’s Saab continued to impress with its grip and dependability in wet, loose conditions.

Navigation & Challenges

Low Visibility: Dense fog, mist, and early sunsets challenged driver sightlines and pacenote clarity.
Unpredictable Grip: Mud, wet leaves, and standing water forced constant throttle and brake modulation.
Stage Volume: Dozens of short, technical forest stages kept drivers under pressure with no time to relax.

The 1969 RAC Rally was a masterclass in wet-weather rallying and relentless consistency, highlighting Britain’s unforgiving yet iconic rally landscape.

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