Junkman Posted May 27, 2015 Posted May 27, 2015 I'm sad to learn that today Swedish rally legend and Saab test driver Erik Carlsson died. He was 86. In 2010, Mr Carlsson was among the first four inductees into the Rally Hall of Fame, along with Rauno Aaltonen, Paddy Hopkirk and Timo Mäkinen.
unclescott58 Posted May 27, 2015 Posted May 27, 2015 (edited) Wasn't it Carlsson who was famous for rolling his car (a SAAB?) on to its roof during a race. He his and his navigator rolling the car back over on to its wheels, and finishing second. Then when telling the story after the race no one would believed him. So he and his navigator rolled the car over on to its roof, then back on its wheels, by hand, to prove they were telling the truth. I beleive that was Carson wasn't it? Scott Edited May 27, 2015 by unclescott58
dublin boy Posted May 27, 2015 Posted May 27, 2015 Yes that was him. Very sad news. He was married to Stirling Moss's sister Pat who passed away a few years ago.
Junkman Posted May 27, 2015 Author Posted May 27, 2015 (edited) Wasn't it Carlson who was famous for rolling his car (a SAAB?) on to its roof during a race. He his and his navigator rolling the car back over on to its wheels, and finishing second. Then when telling the story after the race no one would believed him. So he and his navigator rolled the car over on to it roof, then back on its wheels, by hand, to prove they were telling the truth. I beleive that was Carson wasn't it? Scott That's why he was called Carlsson på taket - Carlsson on the roof. Coincidentally this is also a pun. Karlsson-on-the-Roof (Swedish: Karlsson på taket) is a popular fictional character who lives on the roof of an apartment building in a series of children's books created by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Edited May 27, 2015 by Junkman
unclescott58 Posted May 27, 2015 Posted May 27, 2015 (edited) That's why he was called Carlsson på taket - Carlsson on the roof. Coincidentally this is also a pun. Karlsson-on-the-Roof (Swedish: Karlsson på taket) is a popular fictional character who lives on the roof of an apartment building in a series of children's books created by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Thank you for explaining that. Since I do not know Swedish, I didn't know that's what your title meant. And by the way, I know there is more to that story. Something about the winning team trying to do the same thing with their car, failing and ruining a stage the car was on? If you guys know more about this story, please tell more. I remember where and when I read about it years ago, I found it to be a very interesting story. Scott Edited May 27, 2015 by unclescott58
Atmobil Posted May 28, 2015 Posted May 28, 2015 Oh no....sad news this. He was a true legend in rallying.
Junkman Posted May 28, 2015 Author Posted May 28, 2015 Thank you for explaining that. Since I do not know Swedish, I didn't know that's what your title meant. And by the way, I know there is more to that story. Something about the winning team trying to do the same thing with their car, failing and ruining a stage the car was on? If you guys know more about this story, please tell more. I remember where and when I read about it years ago, I found it to be a very interesting story. Scott I don't know about that story, but Carlsson regularly rolled his Saabs after rallys for celebration, like others do donuts. Usually, he then drove the car home to Sweden.
lysleder Posted May 28, 2015 Posted May 28, 2015 (edited) The story as I know it is that Carlsson and his co-driver got stuck in a very muddy section, and they got out and rolled the car one full turn to get it onto firm ground next to the "road". Then, later on at the prize ceremony which were in the great big lobby of a fancy hotel Carlsson who finished second rolled his car onto it's roof, stealing attention from the winner. The winner however, did not want to be any less and did the same to his own car. The result of which was that the engine oil ran out and ruined the marble floor of the host venue. Carlsson did not have to worry, as his SAAB were running a two-stroke engine and thus had no oil sump. I guess they had means of keeping the gasoline and the other liquids contained though. As stated, this is nothing but my own recollection of what I might have been told or read in the past. If anybody can shed more or better light on how it goes, please do so. Edited May 28, 2015 by lysleder
Matt Bacon Posted May 28, 2015 Posted May 28, 2015 A real legend -- another of the "old guard" from the days of motor sport that produced "larger than life" figures. His inspiration will live on, in Sweden and beyond, I'm sure. RIP Erik... bestest, M.
unclescott58 Posted May 29, 2015 Posted May 29, 2015 The story as I know it is that Carlsson and his co-driver got stuck in a very muddy section, and they got out and rolled the car one full turn to get it onto firm ground next to the "road". Then, later on at the prize ceremony which were in the great big lobby of a fancy hotel Carlsson who finished second rolled his car onto it's roof, stealing attention from the winner. The winner however, did not want to be any less and did the same to his own car. The result of which was that the engine oil ran out and ruined the marble floor of the host venue. Carlsson did not have to worry, as his SAAB were running a two-stroke engine and thus had no oil sump. I guess they had means of keeping the gasoline and the other liquids contained though. As stated, this is nothing but my own recollection of what I might have been told or read in the past. If anybody can shed more or better light on how it goes, please do so. That's the the story I was trying to remember. I believe I read it in an Automobile Quarterly about 25 years ago or so. Scott
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