History 1960s

1961 Viking Rally

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1961 Viking Rally

Date: September 15–17, 1961

Start Location: Oslo, Norway

Finish Location: Oslo, Norway

Total Starters: 67 crews

Total Finishers: 46 crews

The 1961 Viking Rally provided a punishing Scandinavian challenge across Norway's dense forests and rugged terrain. Though not part of the European Rally Championship, it attracted top Nordic drivers and tested the limits of driving precision, mechanical endurance, and co-driver coordination on a mix of loose gravel and narrow technical sections.

Route

Forest Trails: Tight, cambered roads with deep ruts tested suspension durability and line control.
Elevation Changes: Blind crests and dips challenged braking precision and demanded total pacenote trust.
Variable Grip: Morning dew and intermittent rain made traction inconsistent throughout stages.

The event consisted of roughly 200 kilometers of timed gravel stages through the pine forests north of Oslo. Liaison legs skirted the Oslofjord and passed through remote villages, demanding constant navigation awareness and stamina across three days.

The rally's rhythm changes and narrow margins meant that even minor missteps could cost minutes or worse.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Carl-Magnus Skogh & Håkon Fløysvik · Saab 96
2nd Place
Arne Ingier & Ole J. Killingmoe · Saab 96
3rd Place
Rune Larsson & Carl F. Karlan · Volkswagen Beetle

Skogh’s consistency and experience, paired with the Saab’s superior traction, delivered a commanding victory under demanding Nordic conditions.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Technical Gravel: Demanded car placement accuracy and precise throttle work on constantly shifting surfaces.
  • Fatigue Management: A multi-day format with limited service breaks pushed teams to the edge.
  • Weather Swings: Light rain and cooler temperatures added complexity to tire and pace decisions.
  • No ERC Points: While not an official European Rally Championship round, it served as a major proving ground for Scandinavian crews.

The 1961 Viking Rally proved that raw speed alone wasn’t enough — mechanical resilience, co-driver trust, and finesse in difficult terrain defined the victors.

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