When Mercedes Made World-Beating Rally Cars: The Story of the 1961 Dakar Rally

The Dakar Rally: A Gruelling Test of Endurance

The Dakar Rally, known as the most gruelling event of its kind in the world, covers a distance of 4903 miles through the Arabian desert. However, the original route of the rally was even longer, spanning 6200 miles from Paris to the Senegalese capital. There have also been longer rallies, including one that traversed the entire length of Africa, from Algiers to Cape Town.

A French Tradition: Long-Distance Rallying

Long-distance rallying has its roots in France. The country held the world’s first motor races in the 1890s, which were point-to-point dashes rather than races on tracks. Rallying in Africa began in 1930 to commemorate a century of French rule in Algeria. French car manufacturers such as Citroën, Delahaye, and Peugeot dominated these early rallies.

Mercedes-Benz Takes the Lead

By the time of the 1961 Rallye Algiers, Mercedes-Benz had become a dominant force in the sport. The German manufacturer enlisted Peter Rivière, a British driver, and Michael May, a Swiss research engineer and racer, to drive their W111-generation 220 SE saloons. The rally proved to be a challenging test for the Mercedes team.

Challenges and Mistakes

The Mercedes team faced several challenges and made some mistakes during the rally. The lightweight plastic windows on their cars caused visibility issues due to static electricity and dust. The provision of lightweight sand mats proved to be useless in the Sahara desert, and the team had to rely on the help of friendly Saharan lorry drivers to free their cars from sand traps.

A Gruelling Journey

Despite the challenges, the Mercedes team persevered and made it to the finish. They faced issues such as radiator hose splitting, spark plug replacements, differential leaks, and punctures. The team’s perseverance paid off, as two other 220 SE crews held on to secure a one-two victory for Mercedes.

An Unforgettable Experience

Despite the hardships, Peter Rivière looked back on the rally fondly. He found the vast, flat expanses of the desert to be a wonderful sight. The experience of driving across such landscapes left a lasting impression on him.

Overall, the 1961 Dakar Rally was a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s rally prowess and the determination of the drivers. It showcased the challenges and triumphs of long-distance rallying and solidified Mercedes’ position as a world-beating rally car manufacturer.

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