Monte Carlo Rally: The Golden Age, 1911-1980

Hundreds of entrants, in cars of all shapes and sizes, battled through mid-winter snow, fog, ice and darkness from far-flung starting points towards the magical principality of Monaco. Mishaps, breakdowns and smashes abounded, and competitors had tales to tell of cars teetering on the edge of precipices or rammed into snowbanks, frantically improvised repairs, close encounters and feats of crazy bravado.  The first rally was run in 1911, with just 20 starters. In 1930 there were 100, in 1949 …