1967 Monte Carlo Morris Mini Cooper 1275 S
- Images by Shawn Glad
The Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo, with its first running in 1911, was originally a showcase for car innovation and reliability. Competitors would journey from across Europe to convene in Monaco, under the patronage of Prince Albert I. Today, the Automobile Club de Monaco, which also manages the F1 Monaco Grand Prix and the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique, oversees this event, now a timed competition rally.
The Mini debuted at the Monte Carlo Rally in the 1960s, quickly earning fan admiration. After an unremarkable start in 1960, finishing 23rd, it began to build its reputation for resilience and competitive spirit. A notable moment came in 1962, when driver Rauno Aaltonen narrowly avoided a crash, bolstering the Mini’s image. Paddy Hopkirk’s victory in 1964 and Timo Mäkinen’s in 1965 marked the beginning of its success at the rally.
1966 was marred by controversy when Mini drivers were disqualified over non-standard headlights, casting doubts on their future participation. Nevertheless, in 1967, Rauno Aaltonen and Harry Liddon led the Morris Mini Cooper S, numbered 177, to victory. Their win was characterized by a dramatic moment where their Mini became airborne and unexpectedly reentered the rally route, securing the BMC Works team’s third and final Monte Mini victory.
Illustration by Shawn Glad
About the Illustration
My illustration above is a freehand sketch based on a reference photo of the winning 1967 Morris Mini Cooper S, which is preserved at the British Motor Museum in the UK. Sketched in Procreate on an iPad, the drawing mimics a pen and ink style, which has long been my preferred method with a Micron or Uni•ball VisionELITE, in a Moleskine planner. This approach has characterized my drawing style for as long as I can remember
With the iPad as my primary drawing tool recently, I strive to replicate the immediacy and clarity of traditional pen sketches. These usually begin as quick pencil drafts, followed by definitive lines using a similar pen, albeit digital, along with hatching to define form and shape. Typically, I conclude with a simple watercolor wash to accentuate the surfaces.
Enjoy!
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