Vic Elford, 1967 European Rally Champion and winner of the 1968 Monte Carlo Rally, has died at the age of 86.
Nicknamed “Quick Vic”, Elford was a competitor in Formula 1 – competing for Cooper, McLaren and BRM – as well as a successful sportscar racer, constructing a synonymous relationship with Porsche.
But rallying was Elford’s first love and he quickly began to make a name for himself in the European championship, initially with Triumph and latterly with Ford.
His first victory came in 1967 on the Lyon-Charbonnières to Stuttgart Solitude Rally and would be the precursor to eventual European championship success alongside David Stone in their Porsche 911.
Elford also won the following year’s Monte Carlo Rally with Porsche – its first victory on the famous event – and is credited with winning the first-ever rallycross race to be held at Lydden Hill in 1967 too.
His biggest racing achievements include two class victories at Le Mans (in 1967 and 1973) as well as fourth overall in the 1968 French Grand Prix. He was also a winner at famous events such as the Daytona 24 Hours and the Targa Florio.
Elford had been battling prostate cancer since 2021 but passed away on March 13, 2022.
