History 1970s

1973 Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo (Monaco/France)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 42ème Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo

Date: January 19–26, 1973

Host Countries: Monaco / France

Surface: Asphalt / Snow

Total Distance: 456.5 km (competitive)

Total Starters: 278 crews

Total Finishers: 77 crews

As the first official round of the new FIA World Rally Championship, the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally drew a massive international field. Starting from multiple European cities, competitors battled through a treacherous concentration run before taking on the icy, snow-dusted mountain roads of the French Alps. Andruet and “Biche” dominated the demanding conditions, handing Alpine a historic home victory to open the championship era.

Route

Col de Turini: The night stage of legends, filled with black ice, switchbacks, and deafening roadside crowds.
Col de la Couillole: A technical climb and descent demanding balance and absolute confidence in braking zones.
Monte Carlo Loops: Lower-altitude tarmac stages tested tire choices and rhythm between snowy mountain runs.

Crews converged on Monte Carlo from across Europe, then contested legendary special stages like Col de Turini, Col de Braus, and Col de l’Orme, battling narrow alpine tarmac glazed in ice and packed snow.

Weather varied dramatically between dry tarmac and snow-covered ridges, forcing last-minute tire gambles and frantic service stops.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Jean-Claude Andruet & “Biche” · Alpine-Renault A110 1800
2nd Place
Ove Andersson & Jean Todt · Alpine-Renault A110 1800
3rd Place
Jean-Pierre Nicolas & Michel Vial · Alpine-Renault A110 1800

Alpine’s 1-2-3 finish set the tone for their 1973 campaign, and Andruet’s pace on both snow and tarmac solidified him as the WRC’s first event winner in history.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Tire Strategy: Crews gambled between studded snow tires and intermediates as conditions shifted by the minute.
  • Night Stages: Fog, snow flurries, and headlight visibility made night driving treacherous and exhausting.
  • Surface Transitions: Switching from wet tarmac to black ice within a single corner required unmatched car control.

The 1973 Monte Carlo Rally launched the WRC in unforgettable fashion, and Andruet’s victory remains a cornerstone of both Alpine’s legacy and rallying history.

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