Monte Carlo Rally legend Paddy Hopkirk dies aged 89

When Hopkirk was old enough to drive on public roads, his father tried reduce the risk of his motorcycle ambitions by making him fit a sidecar to the bike, with which he further honed his sideways skills on the wet cobbles of Belfast.

After racing through the Irish countryside on the weekend’s with university friends, Hopkirk dropped out of education to get a job at a VW dealer in Belfast.

This led him to rallying second-hand Beetles, winning his class on the 1955 Circuit of Ireland. From there Hopkirk rallied a Triumph TR2 and caught the attention of the marque’s competition boss Ken Richardson.

The young man from Belfast was entered into the 1956 RAC for his first international event, and blew the opposition away in the opening stage on Blackpool seafront. Though he would later be hampered by mechanical issues, a star was born.

Competing in events home and away for the next three years, Hopkirk would make his Monte debut with new co-driver Jack Scott in 1958. He would win the Circuit of Ireland that year, as well as in 1961 and 1962.

The Irishman would then go to compete as a works driver for Rootes group and its brands on both rally and circuit racing, winning his class in what is now the BTCC at Silverstone in 1960, as well as competing at Sebring and Le Mans.

Hopkirk transferred over to the British Motor Corporation’s competition team for 1962, and with new co-driver Henry Liddon would take sixth in a Mini on the ’63 Monte, before his historic victory the next year.

In ’64 Hopkirk famously defeated an eight car team of Ford Falcons (one driver being Graham Hill) as well as works efforts from Mercedes, Saab and more on the treacherous icy mountain stages.

A handicap coefficient had to be worked out, meaning that legendary motor sport photographer Bernard Cahier had to call Hopkirk at 4am following the finish to let him know he’d won.

Hopkirk became an instant star, dining with Juan Manuel Fangio in celebration as well as the above-mentioned TV appearances and congratulations from international celebrities.

The Ulsterman would continue to compete through the ’60s, taking a class win at the Spa 24 Hours and buying a house in England as his prominence grew, at one point having Jim Clark as a lodger.

Hopkirk retired in 1970 too focus on his car importing business after BMC closed its competitions department, but would remain prominent in the world of motor sport, successfully securing world rally status for Rally Ireland in 2009.

“His hard work in support of the British motorsport and wider car industry continued until his final days,” said his family.

“His family, friends and fans will never forget his sharp wit and wicked smile. He brought fun and joy to anyone in his company and inspired many.”

Paddy Hopkirk is survived by his wife Jennifer, three children and six grandchildren. Motor Sport sends its sincere condolences to his family and friends.