Rauno Aaltonen back at the Monte with Minispares

2nd Mini in Class!!

Rauno Aaltonen, also known as "The Rally Professor", rolled back the years as the Finnish driver drove to a 2^nd place Mini to finish in the class III at the 23^rd edition of Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique. The professional rally driver strapped his helmet once again to compete in the infamous rallying race, in a car donned with Mini Spares parts.

The 23rd edition of Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique is a tough rallying competition that spans across five days. Hundreds of teams, from over 28 different countries test their endurance and speed against the Rally’s challenging locations - full of winding alpine roads and hundreds of hairpins.

The Monaco Rallye has been one of nostalgia for Aaltonen, who has participated many times at this iconic event since 1962. Winning the event in 1967, in the now famous LBL 6D (177) mini. Now, in the 23rd edition of this rallying event, he once again drives in a 1968 Austin Mini Cooper S, which resulted in a 2nd place finish in the group III classification – one spot behind Pratick Brayard of France also in Austin Cooper S.

Hans-Åke Söderqvist, a successful rally pilot in Sweden, was the architect of the car. He teamed up with Mini Spares to build a Mini for Aaltonen. Söderqvist, being a perfectionist, knew how to build a car that was quick, and has a reliable engine with smooth torque and reliability - though he needed to outsource the parts to uphold his ambition.

Enter Mini Spares, who have already earlier supplied Söderqvist parts catered for his Minis. The result of their recent collaborative work was one of the best Mini Cooper have ever produced, a feat echoed by Aaltonen’s driving.