The Monte Carlo Rally, which is organised by the Automobile Club de Monaco, is held mainly in the hinterland of the Maritime Alps in France and is one of the most prestigious motorsport events in the world. The mainly unpredictable weather of the French Maritime Alps makes the rally one of the most difficult of events. A special stage can begin on a dry road, while snow and ice characterise conditions in the higher regions. One of the most famous special stages in the world is the “Night of the Long Knives” over the Col de Turini with its numerous needle pin curves.

Powerful racing cars with V8 engines and close to 300 horsepower compete against slighter 1-litre engine displacements. 1964 then saw David beat Goliath. The small, manoeuvrable Minis had the advantage in the snowy conditions. The Mini Cooper S won an incredible 4 times in succession. However, the three Minis in first position and the Ford Cortina in fourth were all disqualified in 1966 for having iodine vapour, single filament bulbs in standard headlamps instead of dipping bulbs. This is still considered one of the most controversial events in motor racing history.

Winners of the Rally with the Mini Cooper S were Paddy Hopkirk (1964), Timo Mäkinen (1965) and Rauno Aaltonen (1967).