ALPINE RALLY COUPE des ALPES AUTO RACE MARSEILLES FRANCE 52664 (1958)

Synopsis

(Officially called Coupe des Alpes, the rally competition was based in Marseille, France and held from 1932 to 1971. In the 1950s and the 1960s, it was among the most prestigious rallies in the world and featured an international route, consisting of famous mountain passes in Europe.) “Fifty-six production cars from eight countries struggling to win — a cup. An Alpine Cup. The dream of every rally driver,” a narrator says sardonically at mark 01:30 before continuing his explanation of the the rally’s 2,400 mile course through France and Italy, all while animation traces the trail and three stages. Drivers get only three breaks over 73 hours, along with 73 checkpoints. “One second late, and your cup is lost,” says the narrator ominously. Mark 02:37 takes us to Marseille as cars prepare for the start of the race, including 1956 champion Michel Collange. As the film progressive there is footage from both alongside the roads and behind the windshield of the cars as they zip in and out of traffic and navigate dangerous curves, twisting roads, and mountainous passages. Night falls in France at mark 06:20 as the opening strains of “La Marseillaise” plays in the background and racers reach the French-Italian border. The race continues through Monza (mark 07:05 ) and by mark 08:30 the first stage of the race has ended. Although 56 crews began the race, 12 had dropped out and 28 had arrived late to their checkpoint, leaving only 16 possible winners. The second stage takes the races…

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Details

Running time

36 minutes

Language

English

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage