She is among history’s most successful female rally drivers winning three international titles appearing on podium seven times crowned European Ladies’ Champion five times—in ’58 ’60 ’62 ’64 ’65 respectively
Finishing sixth ’69 Monte Carlo after daughter Susie’s birth same year gradually reduced event participation turning horse racing
Yet later joined Renault Alpine team driving iconic A110 placing tenth ’72 Monte Carlo retiring ’74
Pat immersed racing upbringing brother Stirling famed F1 driver ‘50s Swedish rally driver Erik Carlsson both partner husband
Brother Stirling skeptical female racers F1 legend claimed women challenging men difficult motorsport
However regarding sister Pat British legend remarked—what accomplished amazing
Era where women parallel parking miraculous notion Pat outpacing men seemed fantasy—but achieved it
Grateful every great mother wishing dream chasing forever young!
Author / Cool Car
Born Thames Ditton Surrey England father Alfred racer raised Bray Berkshire aged eleven taught drive brother Stirling father competed Indianapolis500 ‘24 mother WWI ambulance driver practically track upbringing interestingly started sports career horseback initially equestrian show jumper British team age eighteen ‘53 boyfriend Ken Gregory Stirling’s manager introduced club rallies absorbed racing world
‘54 bought Triumph TR2 committed rallying asked Standard-Triumph sponsor ‘55 RAC Rally entry refused
Few female racers era admiration brand promotion soon car companies noticed
MG Rover funded races sponsored MG TF1500 seven-year collaboration winning three championships bringing valuable publicity
‘58 highlight moment Morris Minor fourth RAC Austin-Healey100/6 Belgium’s Liège–Rome–Liège road rally fourth throttle pedal tied wooden blocks won first European Ladies’ Championship title
Besides legendary co-driver Ann Wisdom background week off office clerk participate later boss saw magazine photos resigned fully committed rallying
Subsequent years frequent podium finishes major events
‘60 Austin-Healey3000 total victory Liège–Rome–Liège second Coupe des Alpes Alpine Rally
‘61 second RAC
‘62 Saab96 third East African Safari third RAC Austin-Healey
Greatest achievement winning Holland’s oldest Tulip Rally Mini Cooper marking first international success largely pioneering women
‘63 joining Ford UK subsidiary Lotus-modified Cortina sixth Acropolis July ninth married Erik Carlsson Ford tried signing Erik ‘64 switched Saab eleven international rallies notable third Acropolis fourth Liège-Sofia-Liège RAC fifth Monte Carlo ‘64 third ‘65 despite no championship wins significant achievements male-dominated sport breakthrough themselves
‘68 won Sestriere five-time European Ladies’ champion joined Lancia new Fulvia disliked severe understeer still placed fourteenth Monte Carlo
In the demanding world of international rallying during the late 1960s, the competition was fierce and the machines pushed to their limits. The 1969 season saw Finnish driver Pauli Toivonen demonstrating considerable skill. While he faced challenges in events such as the Sanremo Rally driving a Porsche 911, preventing a top victory there, his performance in the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally that same year was remarkable. Navigating treacherous conditions and iconic stages, Toivonen piloted his Porsche 911 to an impressive second-place finish overall, showcasing his talent and the capabilities of the German sports car in challenging rally environments.
The 1969 Monte Carlo Rally also featured other notable performances. Among them was a Lancia Fulvia, which secured a commendable sixth position. The Fulvia, while a capable car, was sometimes described as requiring a very specific driving style to extract its full potential on varied rally surfaces, perhaps contributing to the characterization of it being somewhat ‘unhandy’ for certain drivers or conditions encountered during that arduous event. The rally itself was a true test of endurance for both drivers and machinery, winding through snow-covered mountain passes and technical tarmac sections.
Amidst this era, a pioneering female competitor emerged. After a period away from the direct spotlight of motorsport events, which included exploring other interests, such as a venture into the equestrian world with horse racing, she made a determined return to the rallying scene. Her passion for driving competitive vehicles remained strong. This led her to join forces with Renault Alpine, piloting the classic A110 model. Her comeback culminated in a significant achievement at the 1972 Monte Carlo Rally, where she skillfully drove the agile French car to a highly respectable tenth place overall against a field of seasoned professionals. She continued competing for a few more seasons before retiring from active rallying around 1974.
Her achievements were considered truly extraordinary for the time, helping to challenge preconceived notions about who could compete at the highest levels of motorsport. Reflecting on their journey, her co-driver, known for his modest demeanor, often remarked that they didn’t necessarily view themselves as groundbreaking pioneers during their active years. However, they shared a deep hope that their participation and results would contribute positively to the sport’s evolution and perhaps inspire and pave the way, leaving a valuable legacy for aspiring female racers in the future. Their partnership exemplified dedication and a shared commitment to competing at their best.
Looking at the history of the World Rally Championship since that time, one figure stands out as a true legend and arguably the only woman to consistently challenge for overall victories at the very pinnacle of the sport for an extended period. That figure is the remarkable French driver, Michèle Mouton. She is widely recognized as the most successful female driver in WRC history. Her time driving the formidable Audi quattro in the early 1980s was particularly impactful. In the 1982 season, she reached incredible heights, securing three stunning rally wins and ultimately finishing as the runner-up in the overall World Rally Championship standings. Her performance in the powerful, all-wheel-drive Audi shattered barriers and proved unequivocally that a woman could compete and win against the best male drivers in the world, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Ultimately, the passion for automobiles and motorsport transcends conventional boundaries of gender, background, or origin. The pursuit of one’s deepest interests requires courage, determination, and an unwavering commitment. It is a journey that often demands placing faith in oneself and one’s capabilities, navigating challenges that may at times feel isolating or misunderstood by others. Yet, the freedom found in passionately pursuing what one loves is a profound source of happiness. Each individual is solely responsible for navigating their own path, shaping their experiences, and finding their own joy and fulfillment in life. May everyone pursuing their dreams move forward with steady resolve and a bright outlook, finding happiness and success in their chosen direction.