History 1960s

1968 Tulip Rally (Rally van Nederland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1968 Tulip Rally (Tulpenrallye)

Date: April 22–27, 1968

Start/Finish Location: Noordwijk, Netherlands

Total Distance: Approximately 3,200 kilometers

Participating Teams: Approximately 160 crews

The 1968 Tulip Rally maintained its reputation as one of the most competitive and technically demanding rallies in Europe. With a route that crossed multiple countries and included tarmac stages, circuits, and hill climbs, the event demanded speed, accuracy, and endurance from both drivers and co-drivers. Changing weather conditions and tight time controls made every stage a test of precision.

Route

Zolder Circuit (Belgium): A high-speed track that demanded clean lines and consistent pace.
La Reid Hill Climb: A challenging Belgian ascent testing power and braking stability.
Vosges Mountains (France): Tight alpine routes with switchbacks and unpredictable weather.
Eifel Region (Germany): Fast flowing roads combined with elevation and technical navigation.

The rally route featured a blend of open-road stages and closed competitive sections:

Each region presented unique terrain, making adaptive driving and navigation essential to success.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Roger Clark & Jim Porter · Ford Escort Twin Cam
2nd Place
Ove Andersson & John Davenport · Ford Escort Twin Cam
3rd Place
Jorma Lusenius & Klaus Lehto · Datsun Fairlady 2000

Roger Clark’s victory with the Ford Escort Twin Cam confirmed the car’s competitive potential, while Ove Andersson and Datsun’s strong finish showed the breadth of talent and emerging manufacturers in European rallying.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Tulip Diagrams: Crews relied heavily on the ball-and-arrow system for complex navigation under pressure.
  • Road Types: Switching between circuits, hill climbs, and rural backroads demanded constant focus.
  • Weather: Rain and fog across Belgium and Germany required careful tire selection and defensive driving.

The 1968 Tulip Rally rewarded preparation, pacing, and perfect communication—making it a standout event of the season.

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