The Mini Cooper S won the
Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967.
[94] Minis initially placed first, second and third in the 1966 rally as well, but were disqualified after a controversial decision by the judges. The disqualification related to the use of a variable resistance
headlamp dimming circuit in place of a dual-filament lamp.
[95] Fourth placed Roger Clark's Ford Cortina was disqualified for the same reason, along with six other cars. The fifth car past the finishing line, a
Citroën DS, a model that had won the race previously, was awarded first place – the DS had similar headlamps, but these were standard production equipment on the car – in line with the letter of the rules.
[96] The driver of the Citroën,
Pauli Toivonen, felt that he had not really "won" the rally.
[97] BMC probably received more publicity from the disqualification than they would have gained from a victory.
[98]
