History 1960s

1969 Rallye de Portugal

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1969 Rallye de Portugal (3º TAP Rallye de Portugal)

Date: March 1969

Start/Finish Location: Estoril, Portugal

Total Distance: Over 3,000 kilometers

Participating Teams: Over 100 crews

The 1969 edition of the Rallye de Portugal, the third under TAP sponsorship, built upon its growing reputation as a versatile test of endurance. With mixed surfaces, rapidly changing weather, and a grueling schedule stretching across the country, the rally blended tarmac speed with gravel resilience. It was a proving ground for drivers with adaptability and mechanical sympathy.

Route

Lisbon and Setúbal Regions: High-speed paved sections with tight village crossings and narrow lanes.
Alentejo and Beira Baixa: Long gravel stretches and undulating hills with loose stones and ruts.
Mountain Stages: Climbs through the Serra da Estrela tested engine cooling and traction on steep, winding tracks.

The event’s course wove through the rugged countryside and coastal regions of Portugal:

The combination of smooth tarmac and rough earth meant frequent tire changes and suspension recalibrations.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Jean-Pierre Nicolas & Jean-Claude Lefèbvre · Alpine A110
2nd Place
Ove Andersson & Arne Hertz · Lancia Fulvia HF
3rd Place
Sobiesław Zasada & Marian Bien · Porsche 911

Nicolas’s precise control of the Alpine A110 helped it glide over Portugal’s changing surfaces. Andersson stayed consistent, while Zasada showed Porsche’s speed advantage on the faster sections.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mixed Surfaces: Quick transitions from gravel to asphalt demanded split-second adjustments in handling.
  • Night Stages: Poor lighting and narrow roads increased the risk of mistakes during long after-dark sections.
  • Dust and Heat: In-land regions kicked up visibility-choking dust while heating up driver cabins and engines.

The 1969 Rallye de Portugal rewarded teams that could stay fast and composed while constantly adapting—a benchmark of all-round rally discipline.

← Previous Event 1969 1000 Lakes Rally (Finland)
Back to Events Index
1969 RAC Rally (United Kingdom) Next Event →

Watch rallies anywhere — bypass region blocks with NordVPN.

Fast servers for HD streams Servers in 60+ countries 30-day money-back

Unblock coverage — Save up to 77% + 3 months free

Sponsored link. Using our partner links helps support Compromised Internals at no extra cost to you.