History 1960s

1968 Rallye du Maroc (Rally of Morocco)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1968 Rallye du Maroc (Rally of Morocco)

Date: May 1968

Start/Finish Location: Casablanca, Morocco

Total Distance: Over 3,000 kilometers

Participating Teams: Around 100 crews

Renowned for its brutal heat and treacherous terrain, the 1968 Rallye du Maroc stood out as one of the toughest events on the European rally circuit. With long competitive stages through mountainous passes and desert stretches, the rally demanded mechanical reliability and unwavering stamina from both car and crew. The remote landscapes and lack of support infrastructure further amplified the difficulty of finishing, let alone winning.

Route

High Atlas Mountains: Rocky switchbacks and elevation shifts pushed engines to their limits.
Desert Plains: Long, open stages with deep sand and extreme temperatures challenged traction and cooling systems.
Oasis Regions & Valleys: Unexpected water crossings and narrow tracks forced constant vigilance and route adjustments.

The rally ventured through varied Moroccan terrain—from coastal highways to unforgiving interior regions:

The unforgiving terrain often stranded cars far from assistance, making mechanical preparedness and self-reliance essential for success.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Jean-Pierre Nicolas & Jean de Alexandris · Peugeot 404
2nd Place
René Trautmann · Citroën DS 21
3rd Place
Robert Neyret · Citroën DS 21

Nicolas piloted the Peugeot 404 to a hard-fought victory, leveraging its legendary durability across brutal stages. Citroën secured strong results thanks to the DS 21's suspension advantage on rough roads.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Extreme Temperatures: Daytime highs frequently surpassed 40°C (104°F), straining engines and occupants.
  • Mechanical Attrition: Tire punctures, broken suspension components, and overheating were common causes of retirement.
  • Remote Recovery: Teams were often forced to self-rescue due to limited external support deep in the interior.

The 1968 Rallye du Maroc delivered a true desert odyssey—one that tested machines, minds, and morale across some of the harshest rally conditions in the world.

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