After a controversial disqualification in the 1966 rally for breaking “last-minute” rules on headlights, the British Motor Corporation tried again for 1967’s Monte Carlo rally and won.

With Rauno Aaltonen at the wheel and Henry Liddon as co-driver, this car won the event by just thirteen seconds despite stiff competition from the Porsche 911 and Lancia Fulvia. All five team cars finished, the other four being placed 6th, 10th, 15th and 41st.

Regulations meant that cars could only take on board and use eight tyres during each of the classification loops. Roof racks were used for the team of Minis with each tyre branded with a heated iron by rally officials - these marks can still be seen on the tyres fitted to this car.

The 1967 Monte Carlo Rally was the BMC competitions department’s last moment of glory. In 1970 it closed, bringing to an end a successful era of Mini Cooper rallying, but the legacy of the David and Goliath motorsport battles lived on. The Mini had pulled off one of the greatest upsets in motorsport history. It had created a national sensation and had become revered for its versatility and nimbleness in a small but mighty package.