Per Eklund, born in 1946 in Sweden, was a highly skilled and tenacious rally driver who remained a familiar name on the WRC entry lists throughout the 1980s. Known for his deep experience with Saab and later his adaptable skills in Group B machinery, Eklund earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and competitive privateers of the decade. While not a title contender, his presence added depth to every rally he entered, especially in snow and gravel events across Northern Europe.
Eklundâs consistency and technical mastery kept him relevant in an increasingly high-stakes and dangerous decade of rallying.
Eklund was one of the few drivers to span multiple vehicle philosophiesâfrom Saabâs quirky turbo setups to Group Bâs aggressive AWD monsters.
Eklund was known for his calm and precise driving, particularly effective on technical snow and gravel stages. He lacked the flamboyance of the top title contenders but made up for it with clean, intelligent driving and mechanical sensitivity. His transition from Saab to Group B competitors showcased his technical adaptability. While never a factory favorite, he became a cult hero among rally fans and privateer hopefuls.
Eklund partnered with several co-drivers during the 1980s, notably Benny Melander. Their familiarity with Nordic events and efficient communication allowed them to maximize their performance even against factory teams. His ability to manage logistics, setup, and strategy as a privateer made him a respected presence in the service parks and on the stages alike.
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