History Event 1960s

1964 RAC Rally (United Kingdom)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

The 1964 RAC Rally, held in November, was the United Kingdom’s flagship rallying event, drawing a broad international field to tackle Britain’s famously brutal late-autumn conditions. Fog, rain, mud, and slippery gravel surfaces dominated the route, which wound through the forests, hills, and moors of England, Wales, and Scotland. The rally demanded unwavering focus from drivers and deep synergy with their co-drivers over demanding pace notes and treacherous terrain.

Event Name: 1964 RAC Rally (United Kingdom)

Date: November 8–12, 1964

Start/Finish Location: Blackpool, England

Total Distance: Approximately 2,000 kilometers

Participating Teams: Over 130 crews

Route

Welsh Forests: Slippery, narrow gravel roads with blind bends and deep cambers.
Yorkshire Moors: Open, wind-swept stages where mist and fog obscured long sightlines.
Scottish Highlands: Remote, rugged terrain demanded resilience and navigational precision in fast-changing weather.

The 1964 route combined remote gravel forest tracks with sections of public roads, blending outright speed with technical driving skill across ever-changing surfaces:

Night stages and rough forest conditions turned this event into one of the most grueling on the calendar, testing drivers’ skill and stamina.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Tom Trana & Gunnar Thermaenius · Volvo PV544
2nd Place
Timo Mäkinen & Don Barrow · Austin-Healey 3000
3rd Place
Vic Elford & David Stone · Ford Cortina GT

Trana and Thermaenius took their second consecutive RAC Rally victory.

Swedish ace Tom Trana secured victory alongside co-driver Gunnar Thermaenius in a Volvo PV544. Their pace and reliability across rough terrain gave them the edge in a rally known for attrition and weather chaos.

Trana’s attacking style and the Volvo’s durability were the perfect combination for one of rallying’s most punishing events.

Car Highlights

The 1964 RAC Rally rewarded vehicles that balanced performance, strength, and stability over loose and varied terrain:

  • Volvo PV544: Solidly built and surprisingly agile, it handled rough stages with minimal mechanical issues.
  • Austin-Healey 3000: Powerful rear-wheel-drive sports car that performed well on drier stages but needed careful handling on slippery sections.
  • Ford Cortina GT: Balanced and quick, though vulnerable to suspension stress over rough terrain.

Each of the podium cars had to endure brutal punishment, highlighting both mechanical preparation and driving discipline.

Navigation & Challenges

This rally tested every facet of rallying, from strategic pacing to flawless teamwork under pressure:

  • Fog and Rain: Constant threats that reduced visibility and soaked surfaces, especially on high ground.
  • Mixed Surfaces: Included tarmac, wet gravel, and muddy forest tracks, often changing mid-stage.
  • Night Navigation: Several night legs required flawless coordination between driver and co-driver, aided by powerful spotlights.

The 1964 RAC Rally closed the season with a masterclass in endurance, adaptability, and raw courage behind the wheel.

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