History 1960s

1964 15th International Swedish Rally to the Midnight Sun

Overview

The 15th International Swedish Rally to the Midnight Sun tested competitors with fast gravel roads under nearly continuous daylight. The route traversed the expansive forests and rugged terrain of central and northern Sweden, demanding endurance and precision over long stages.

Event Name: 15th International Swedish Rally to the Midnight Sun

Date: June 9–14, 1964

Start/Finish Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Total Distance: Approximately 3,000 kilometers (180 km of special stages)

Participating Teams: Over 100 crews


Route

Central Forest Sections: Fast-flowing roads with limited margin for error between trees.
Northern Gravel Trails: Long stretches of loose-surfaced terrain under low sun angles.
Remote Refueling Points: Required efficient planning and vehicle durability across distance gaps.

The route featured varied gravel stages through Sweden's heartland:

Crews contended with dust, shifting grip levels, and strategic pace management over the multi-day rally.


🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Tom Trana & Gunnar Thermanius · Volvo PV 544
2nd Place
Harry Källström · Saab 96
3rd Place
Bengt Söderström · Ford Cortina GT

Trana’s aggressive pace and Thermanius’s expert navigation led the Volvo team to a decisive home victory.

Navigation & Challenges

Success required mechanical endurance and sharp teamwork:

  • Midnight Sun: Perpetual daylight affected sleep cycles and pace strategy.
  • Loose Gravel: High-speed cornering demanded smooth weight transfer and throttle modulation.
  • Sparse Services: Crews needed to maintain reliability over long unsupported distances.

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