Flying Finns & 12 Hours In Argyll
The Flying Finns, from the Castrol Classics series, has some of the best in-car rally shots of Mini legend Timo Makinen, as he demonstrates how to drive a Cooper S on dirt stages.
It is almost hypnotic to watch his feet dancing on the accelerator and brake - never using the clutch to change gears.
This is nicely contrasted with a very young (university student) Hannu Mikkola, having his first drive in a Works Ford Escort, and showing a completely different approach with the rear-wheel-drive car.
The action then moves on to the 1968 1000 Lakes Rally, which had been won three times previously by Timo. Sadly for Mini enthusiasts Timo retires about half way through the rally, with Mikkola going on to score his first major win for Ford.
Still, there is plenty of action for any rally fan, and it is fabulous seeing in action some of the greats who we usually only ever see in still photos.
The rally marked, probably more than any other single event, the changing of the guard, from the Cooper S to the Ford Escort, as the leading contender on the world rally stage.
Bonus material is the 1974 Burmah Rally, in the Scottish county of Argyll. Some great rally footage of an event dominated by the Ford Escort RS, but don’t expect to see any Minis - I think I got a glimpse of one.
This is a DVD you’ll want to watch again and a again - even if the Mini isn’t the big winner.
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