History Event 1960s

1960 RAC Rally

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Often referred to as the "Rally of the Forests," the 1960 RAC Rally was a cornerstone event in the British rallying calendar. Featuring a complex mix of tarmac and unpaved forest stages, it pushed competitors through the UK’s most rugged and unpredictable driving terrain, all under the pressures of late autumn weather.

Event Name: 1960 RAC Rally (Rally of Great Britain)

Date: November 1960

Start/Finish Location: Blackpool, England

Total Distance: Over 2,000 kilometers

Stages: Over 40 special stages across England, Wales, and Scotland

Entrants: Over 180 crews

Route

Lake District & Snowdonia: Narrow tarmac roads combined with slippery climbs and descents.
Welsh Forests: Loose gravel stages in Hafren and Myherin forests tested traction and bravery.
Scottish Highlands: Technical navigation through fog and cold, with remote service points.

The rally covered a diverse loop across Great Britain, featuring rapid transitions between stage types and unpredictable surfaces that made the event a challenge even for seasoned pros.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Erik Carlsson · Saab 96
2nd Place
Tom Trana · Volvo PV544
3rd Place
Peter Procter · Ford Anglia

Erik Carlsson’s mastery of the front-wheel-drive Saab once again proved decisive on muddy and technical forest stages. His calm under pressure and fearless pace in poor weather conditions defined his win.

Car Highlights

The winning cars prioritized grip, balance, and durability over sheer horsepower in the varied British landscape.

  • Saab 96: Front-wheel drive provided exceptional control in muddy and uneven terrain.
  • Volvo PV544: Solid handling and rugged build made it a consistent top finisher in UK rallies.
  • Ford Anglia: Lightweight with good agility, competitive on tight tarmac stages.

Navigation & Challenges

The 1960 RAC Rally was a benchmark for endurance and skill in mixed conditions, marking another dominant outing for Scandinavian rally drivers and front-wheel-drive innovation.

  • Fog and Rain: Classic British weather created treacherous driving conditions throughout.
  • Stage Variety: Constant shifts between narrow tarmac and loose forest roads required adaptable setups.
  • Night Driving: Key sections ran in darkness, increasing pressure on pace notes and headlights.
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