His name first became prominent when co-driving for Stig Blomqvist (Saab 96 V4), with whom he first won the RAC Rally, in 1971.
In 1975, Mäkinen won the RAC for the third time in a row, at the wheel of a Ford Escort RS1800, preceded only by Erik Carlsson (Saab 96) in that feat.
Saab Automobile | Saab 340 | Saab 99 | Saab 96 | Saab 9-3 | Saab 900 | Saab 35 Draken | Saab Direct Ignition | Elie Saab | 78 Saab | Valeska Saab | Saab Sonett | Saab JAS 39 Gripen | SAAB Automobile | Saab automobile | Saab 90 Scandia | Saab 90 | Saab 21 |
Since the engine mounts and gearbox connections are identical between the Ford Cologne V6 engine and the V4, some vintage V4 Saab 96s were modified to take a V6, for rally racing, although this dramatically changed the weight distribution and steering characteristics.