History 1960s

1961 Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

The 1961 Monte Carlo Rally was the 30th edition of this legendary winter event, kicking off the European rally season in icy style. Known for its treacherous routes and diverse starting points, the rally gathered international competitors who had to battle snow, narrow passes, and strict navigation to reach Monaco before facing competitive final tests.

Event Name: 1961 Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo

Date: January 21–28, 1961

Start Locations: 9 cities across Europe including Athens, Glasgow, Lisbon, Paris, and Warsaw

Finish Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco

Total Starters: 342 crews

Total Finishers: 229 crews

Route

Eastern Routes: Harsh snow from Warsaw and Vienna challenged traction and mechanical durability.
Southern Routes: From Madrid and Athens, teams faced long distances and mechanical fatigue.
Final Stage: Concentration run followed by timed climbs in the Maritime Alps including Col de Turini and Col de Braus.

Crews set off from nine cities across Europe, converging toward the Principality of Monaco over several days. Roads were often slick and visibility low, forcing teams to balance speed with survival instincts. The legendary night stages tested nerves and tire strategy.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Maurice Martin & Roger Bateau · Panhard PL 17
2nd Place
Gunnar Carlsson · Volkswagen Beetle
3rd Place
René Trautmann · Citroën ID 19

The lightweight and nimble Panhard PL 17 shocked many by securing overall victory, proving that efficiency and careful timekeeping could outshine raw horsepower under Monte Carlo’s complex scoring system.

Navigation & Challenges

The 1961 Monte Carlo Rally is remembered for its strategic complexity, where smaller, well-driven cars could outpace powerful rivals by mastering the icy chaos with discipline and precision.

  • Snow and Ice: Persistent winter weather required tire chains and exceptional car control.
  • Route Accuracy: Small penalties for timing errors made navigation and speed averages critical.
  • Mechanical Endurance: Long-distance pre-rally driving put stress on engines and suspensions before competition even began.
← Previous Event 1960 RAC Rally (United Kingdom)
Back to Events Index
1961 East African Safari Rally Next Event →

Watch rallies anywhere — bypass region blocks with NordVPN.

Fast servers for HD streams Servers in 60+ countries 30-day money-back

Unblock coverage — Save up to 77% + 3 months free

Sponsored link. Using our partner links helps support Compromised Internals at no extra cost to you.