Irish Monte Carlo rally winner Paddy Hopkirk dies

In 2020, Paddy Hopkirk was among the first of just 100 customers in the UK to receive the MINI Paddy Hopkirk Limited Edition, named in his honour to commemorate his triumph at the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally in the classic Morris Mini Cooper S Mk1. Picture: BMW Group

Paddy Hopkirk, the Belfast rally driver who famously won the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally in a Mini Cooper S, has died aged 89.

Mr Hopkirk’s death on Thursday evening was announced by Mini Sport today, stating: “It is with heavy hearts that we are sharing the news with you that our very dear friend Paddy Hopkirk MBE passed away on Thursday evening.