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Russians at the II Monte Carlo rally

In January 1912 a second edition of famous Monte Carlo rally took place on European roads. As similar competitions were quite popular in Russian Empire, Andrei Nagel and Vadim Mikailoff decided to take part in an International run. In 1912 in addition to last year starting cities – Paris, Boulogne, Geneva, Vienna, Berlin, Brussels – four more have been specified – Amsterdam, Turin, Havre and St.-Petersberg. Average speed allowed was up to 25 km/h on some stages, while any repair of engine and chassis during the run has been prohibited – they have been sealed.
St.-Petersberg, the outermost city, has become a starting place for Andrei Nagel and Vadim Mikailoff. Russo-Baltique factory has prepared a special car for them – C24/55. A handsome and light two-seater open body without a windscreen (Nagel was afraid it would freeze) allowed to keep the car’s weight within 1300 kg. The engine was bored from 4501 to 4939cc, while compression rate raised from 4,0 to 5,5. Instead of cast-iron pistons aluminium ones were used. It all resulted in 55hp @ 1800rpm as compared to a standard C24/30’s 30hp @ 1200rpm. Stated maximum speed was around 113 km/h.
On January 13, 1912 (December 31, 1911 according old Russian calendar) Nagel and Mikailoff started in St.-Petersberg at 17 below zero, together with 86 more equipages starting from other cities. Nagel and Mikailoff (with a broken right hand) became the first who arrived to Monte-Carlo, but were only ninth in final classification, as beside the average speed such factors as number of passengers, windows, seats and concours d’elegance results were counted. Still Russo-Baltique #6 has won a ‘route prize’ for a longest distance and scoring no penalty points and 600 franks for being 9 in general. After this race Nagel has received an Order of St. Anna (3 class).

Pictures:
1. Russo-Baltique C24/55.
2. Russo-Baltique C24/55 - Nagel and Mikailoff before the start in St.-Petersberg.
3. Russo-Baltique C24/55 in snow.
4-5. Russo-Baltique C24/55 on a participants parade in Monte Carlo after finish.