History 1960s

1962 Swedish Rally (Svenska Rallyt till Midnattsolen)

Overview

Event Name: 1962 Swedish Rally (Svenska Rallyt till Midnattssolen)

Date: June 12–16, 1962

Start/Finish Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Total Entries: 191 crews

Total Starters: 163 crews

Total Finishers: 118 crews

The 1962 Swedish Rally marked one of Scandinavia’s premier summer rallying events, combining long-distance touring with intense competition over gravel stages spanning Sweden’s varied terrain.


Route

Stage Terrain: Fast-flowing gravel roads interspersed with tighter, technical forest tracks.
Navigation Style: Tulip diagrams and written instructions were the standard, testing co-driver timing and accuracy.
Special Sections: Timed tests and regularity zones were used rather than flat-out stage racing, making precision just as crucial as speed.

Unlike its winter counterpart, the Midnattssolsrallyt took place under the extended daylight of the Nordic summer, stretching over several hundred kilometers of primarily gravel roads from Stockholm through central Sweden.

Though weather was generally mild, patches of rain and dust clouds created dynamic grip conditions, punishing mistakes and mechanical failures alike.


🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Bengt Söderström & Bo Ohlsson · BMC Mini Cooper
2nd Place
3rd Place

Söderström and Ohlsson’s performance in the Mini Cooper showcased a masterclass in consistency, with nimble handling and faultless teamwork prevailing across Sweden’s rugged interior.

Navigation & Challenges

The Swedish Rally posed unique strategic challenges, especially with long days, varied terrain, and a navigation-heavy format.

  • Daylight Strategy: The midnight sun reduced fatigue-related errors, but required crews to maintain focus for extended periods without natural cues for rest.
  • Mixed Conditions: Frequent transitions between dusty gravel and wet forest roads demanded real-time tire pressure and pace adjustments.
  • Mechanical Endurance: Long liaison sections between tests placed emphasis on vehicle durability and crew mechanical know-how.

With fewer crowds than central European rallies, the Swedish event was a purist’s rally — focused on driving, navigation, and stamina, far from the spotlight but rich in challenge.

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