Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms London to Sydney 1968

Andrew Cowan's passing prompted me to look back on that 1968 marathon race which made him a household name in my native Australia. I came across this remarkable story, link below. Yes, I remember the crash that handed victory to Andrew Cowan, it was front page news, but never knew the detail or indeed the story (or conspiracy theory) that the crash was deliberate and organised to ensure a British car, not a French Citroen, won the rally.

Rally and race enthusiasts will enjoy this well written article.

https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/sabotage-at-the-london-to-sydney-marathon

Peter (Gambalunga) you must have equally vivid memories of this event?

Fascinating read. I was only two at the time so in all honesty hadn’t heard about it before this thread was added.
Was v interesting re the connection between the French driver and Jules Bianchi of F1, as well how both unfortunately passed away as a result of motor racing...
Thanks for posting auster
HB

Thanks for that fascinating read Kerry, I was young at the time but had no idea of the intrigue surrounding the result.
I did remember Andrew Cowan winning it but that was the last I heard of him until he passed away.

Richard isn't it intriguing, especially the line"the crash that saved the British automotive industry." Of course we know that it didn't but it might have sustained it for a few more years. Reading the article I was rather inclined to believe the French driver's line, that it was a plot to deny the Citroen victory; he certainly believed it. But then, reading on, I can completely relate to the two young aussies who decided on a whim to jump in their mini cooper and go out in the middle of the night to watch the contestants come in and unwittingly became part of history and headlines. A a year older (I was 16 in '68) and if I had owned a mini cooper it is exactly what I would have done. What a great story, especially with its connections to modern Formula 1.

I agree as youngsters we all can get into the situations. To complete a task like that these two boys would have to have been suicidal.