The XXIst Monte Carlo Rally in 1951 marked a grand spectacle as 300 drivers embarked from various cities across Western Europe on a journey to Monte Carlo, Monaco. This documentary chronicles the exhilarating race, capturing the drivers’ quest to qualify for the final leg of this prestigious rally.
Over three intense days and nights, drivers adhered to strict time limits between regular checkpoints. Starting from Glasgow, UK, the British contingent of 70 drivers included Reggie Tongue in a Jaguar and Mike Couper in a Bentley. Benefiting from favorable driving conditions, all British drivers smoothly crossed the Folkestone ferry. Lisbon, Portugal, was another bustling departure point, with Tommy Wisdom in a Sunbeam-Talbot and Jean Trevoux, a three-time rally winner, in a Delahaye.
From Stockholm, Sweden, most of the 40 drivers opted for American cars, except Greta Molander in a Swedish SAAB. Eight competitors from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark tackled the snowy route from Oslo, Norway, to Denmark. Palermo, Italy, saw 20 drivers depart, including Prince Lenza di Trabia in his Alfa-Romeo.
The British drivers reached Boulogne, France, by midday on the second day, proceeding eastward to Lille, France, and then navigating through Amsterdam, Holland, and Brussels, Belgium, through the night. Daybreak on the third day brought challenging snowy conditions, followed by torrential rain as they neared Monte Carlo. Upon arrival, drivers faced acceleration and braking tests before resting for car inspections the next morning.
In the final stage, the top 50 drivers engaged in a demanding six-lap race around Monte Carlo. Louis Rosier claimed first place in his class, while Louis Chiron set a lap record with a flawless performance. British driver Colin Vard secured third place overall, with Mike Couper’s Bentley leading its class. Ultimately, Jean Trevoux celebrated an impressive fourth overall victory in the Monte Carlo Rally.
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