Yahoo Autos Finnish Rally Legend Timo Makinen Has Died
Timo Mäkinen, the famous Finnish driver known for his spectacular skills as a rally driver in the 1960s and 1970s, died yesterday of natural causes at the age of 79.
Mäkinen's professional career first began behind the wheel of a Triumph TR3 during the 1000 Lakes Rally of 1959 in Finland, where he finished third in class. After a few years of competing in his home country, Mäkinen scored a drive with Stuart Turner and his works Austin Mini Cooper in 1962. The Finn would go on to dominate his class, winning his home rally of 1000 Lakes three consecutive times.
Perhaps one of Mäkinen's most historic drives was during the 1000 Lakes Rally of 1967, where thanks to a hood strap malfunction, the Finn had to pilot his Mini with the hood up against the windshield. Mäkinen was able to finish third fastest in the stage, despite not being able to see much of anything out of the cockpit.
By the time the mid-1970s came along, Mäkinen had moved into a more powerful Ford RS1600 Escort, and continued to dominate the RAC events from 1973 to 1975. Mäkinen eventually lost his Ford factory seat and went on to compete in long-distance African rallies in a Peugeot V6 504 Coupe.
Many famous Finnish drivers have come since Timo Mäkinen, but we'll never forget the greatness that was the first "Flying Finn."
via Motorsport
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