History 1960s

1962 Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1962 Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo

Date: January 20–25, 1962

Start Locations: Glasgow, Lisbon, Paris, Warsaw, Stockholm, Athens, Frankfurt, and Monte Carlo

Finish Location: Monte Carlo, Monaco

Total Starters: 313 crews

Total Finishers: 247 crews

The 31st edition of the Monte Carlo Rally launched from eight cities across Europe and brought crews together in Monaco for the final, snow-covered Alpine stages. The 1962 event was defined by shifting weather conditions, narrow mountain passes, and the continued evolution of winter rally tactics.

Route

Nordic Departures: Routes from Stockholm and Warsaw were plagued with deep snow, ice, and long overnight drives.
Southern Challenges: Roads from Lisbon and Athens offered inconsistent grip with abrupt climate shifts before reaching France.
Alpine Stages: The final leg included the legendary Col de Turini and Col de Braus, made treacherous by snowdrifts and fog.

Participants navigated thousands of kilometers toward Monaco, where the final stages awaited in the French Alps:

Survival demanded discipline, foresight in tire choice, and exceptional car control in changing traction zones.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Erik Carlsson & Gunnar Häggbom · Saab 96
2nd Place
Eugen Böhringer & Peter Lang · Mercedes-Benz 220 SEb
3rd Place
Paddy Hopkirk & Jack Scott · Sunbeam Rapier

Carlsson’s fearless throttle technique and the Saab’s snow-focused setup proved unbeatable once again in Monte Carlo’s icy gauntlet.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Variable Conditions: Weather changed dramatically across stages, from slush and fog to dry tarmac.
  • Tire Management: Strategic gambles between studs, chains, and rubber types often made or broke stage times.
  • Night Navigation: Alpine night runs with minimal lighting required perfect pacenote calls and fearless driving.

The 1962 Monte Carlo Rally was a frozen crucible of skill, preparation, and bravery — rewarding those who could master both the map and the mountain.

← Previous Event 1962 Rallye du Danube (Romania)
Back to Events Index
1962 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.