History 1960s

1962 RAC Rally (United Kingdom)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1962 RAC Rally (Royal Automobile Club Rally)

Date: November 12–17, 1962

Start Location: Blackpool, England

Finish Location: Bournemouth, England

Total Distance: Over 2,000 kilometers

Entries: 165 crews

Starters: 157 crews

Finishers: 102 crews

The 1962 RAC Rally marked a pivotal transition for British rallying. With an expanded use of timed gravel forest stages and minimal navigation elements, the rally emphasized pure driving skill and mechanical endurance — a prototype of the modern rally format. Erik Carlsson secured his third consecutive RAC victory, cementing his legacy as one of rallying’s most consistent talents.

Route

Welsh Forests: Dense woodlands like Hafren and Gwydyr introduced new gravel tests under heavy fog and rain, redefining the rally’s character.
Lake District: Narrow tarmac and loose gravel with steep climbs and frequent weather changes added a mix of speed and risk.
Yorkshire Moors: Open and fast gravel stretches offered thrilling pace, but with hidden hazards under autumn leaves and mist.

The multi-day route spanned a diverse range of terrains across England and Wales, blending fast road sections with technical off-road challenges:

The route featured 39 special stages totaling over 500 km of competitive driving, making it one of the most demanding RAC layouts to date.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Erik Carlsson · Saab 96
2nd Place
Pat Moss · Austin-Healey 3000
3rd Place
Tony Fall · Ford Anglia

Carlsson’s methodical pace and the Saab’s front-wheel drive advantage on slippery surfaces proved unbeatable. Moss’s performance demonstrated her trademark grit and skill in the heavier Austin-Healey, while Fall showcased rising talent in the nimble Ford Anglia.

Navigation & Challenges

Unlike earlier navigational rallies, the 1962 RAC focused on timed stage performance, with its challenges rooted in pace and endurance:

  • Mud & Rain: Torrential conditions and flooded paths turned even wide roads into treacherous channels of slick mud.
  • Fog & Low Visibility: Fog during early morning and night runs reduced visibility to meters, increasing co-driver importance.
  • Mechanical Reliability: Suspension and drive components were pushed to the limit by hidden ruts, jumps, and embedded stones.

The 1962 RAC Rally defined a new chapter in rallying — one where timing, traction, and toughness reigned over navigation. Its legacy would set the tone for future WRC formats built on forest gravel and precision timing.

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