History 1960s

1960 Rallye Lyon–Charbonnières–Stuttgart–Solitude (France/Germany)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1960 Rallye Lyon–Charbonnières–Stuttgart–Solitude (France/Germany)

Date: March 4-5, 1960

Start Location: Lyon, France

Finish Location: Solitude Circuit, Stuttgart, Germany

Total Distance: ~2,200 km (total route), ~800 km (competitive stages)

Surface: Asphalt, cobblestone, and early spring road conditions

Held across France and West Germany, the 1960 Rallye Lyon–Charbonnières–Stuttgart–Solitude served as an early-season test of endurance and navigation skill. Blending tight village roads, high-speed autobahn sectors, and scenic mountain passes, it challenged both the machines and the mettle of their drivers. The rally climaxed at the famous Solitude circuit, cementing its prestige in the European rally calendar.

Route

Southern France: The opening stages around Lyon included twisting rural roads and fog-prone hill climbs.
Burgundy & Alsace: Long liaison stages through wine country were punctuated by night-time specials and navigation traps.
Black Forest Region: Cross-border stages into Germany saw drivers navigate narrow, tree-lined asphalt in early spring weather.
Solitude Circuit: The final leg finished with laps of the famed German circuit, blending rallying with a touch of road racing tradition.

The rally route spanned two countries and featured a wide mix of road types:

Weather conditions fluctuated between light rain, dense fog, and early spring sunshine—making tire choice and timing crucial throughout the event.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Paul Coltelloni & Pierre Alexandre · Citroën DS19
2nd Place
Bernard Consten & Jack Renel · Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint
3rd Place
Walter Schock & Rolf Moll · Mercedes-Benz 220 SE

Coltelloni’s mastery of the DS19’s hydropneumatic suspension and night-driving precision led him to a commanding win, setting the tone for a dominant season by Citroën.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Fog and Night Stages: Much of the rally occurred at night or in low visibility, demanding sharp navigation and flawless pace notes.
  • Border Complexity: Cross-border travel involved time penalties for customs delays and variable local speed enforcement.
  • Mechanical Survival: Bumpy cobblestone sectors and long highway hauls put suspension systems and gearboxes to the test.

The 1960 edition highlighted the importance of consistent pace, mechanical sympathy, and intelligent driving—qualities that became hallmarks of rally success in the decade to come.

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