Online - 60 Years of Mini's Monte Carlo Rally Success!

On 21 January 1964 the tartan red Mini Cooper S, registration 33 EJB, crossed the finish line just 17 seconds off the pace set by Bo Ljungfeldt's V8 Ford Falcon and so won the 33rd Monte Carlo Rally.

EJB's four cylinder engine had an increased 1071cc capacity and output had also been boosted to around 90 hp. Whilst this seemingly still put it at a disadvantage to its competitors, its front-wheel drive and front-mounted transverse engine gave it the upper hand in icy, mountainous conditions. The Mini's diminutive size was also a bonus on streets narrowed by the ploughing of heavy snow.

With Northern Ireland's Paddy Hopkirk at the wheel, Mini EJB then went on to complete a faultless run through ice, snow, mountains and mud and in doing so won the hearts of the public and became a motorsport legend. The Mini went on to victory at the Monte Carlo Rally again in 1965 and 1967 driven by the 'Flying Finns' Timo Mäkinen and Rauno Aaltonen.

To celebrate 60 years since the Mini's first Monte Carlo Rally victory, we thought we'd share some images of Mini EJB with you. Check out the IMAGES tab below to see them.

Why not have a go at our Mini jigsaws which use images from our Archive? Click the buttons below to take you to the jigsaws.

You can also share images of your Mini on our Facebook page - don’t forget to use the hashtag #ExploringBMM. 

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