History 1960s

1962 Acropolis Rally

Overview

Event Name: 1962 Acropolis Rally

Date: May 23–27, 1962

Start/Finish Location: Athens, Greece

Total Distance: Approximately 2,600 kilometers

Participating Teams: Around 90 crews

The 1962 Acropolis Rally continued its punishing legacy through the sun-scorched mountains and coastal trails of Greece. A mix of heat, altitude, and loose surfaces made this a true battle of endurance and reliability.


Route

Attica & Peloponnese: Tight switchbacks, exposed ridges, and stone-strewn trails demanded careful steering and brake balance.
Central Highlands: Long mountain ascents and descents with deep dust, making visibility and cooling key factors.
Delphi Region: Rougher terrain and narrow roads rewarded discipline over speed.

Crews navigated multiple regions across Greece on a loop-style route through cities and mountains:

The route’s relentless nature and primitive road conditions made vehicle preservation as important as navigation.


🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Gunnar Andersson · Volvo PV544
2nd Place
Eugen Böhringer · Mercedes-Benz 220 SE
3rd Place
Pat Moss & Ann Wisdom · Austin-Healey 3000

Andersson and the PV544 once again demonstrated that in Acropolis conditions, measured consistency outlasts raw aggression.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Dust & Rock Hazards: Choking dust and hidden stones regularly caused overheating and undercarriage damage.
  • Heat Fatigue: Interior cabin temperatures tested driver stamina, particularly in midday stages.
  • Navigation Errors: Sparse signage in rural zones punished crews lacking precise pacenotes and map reading.

The 1962 Acropolis Rally remained a signature test of patience, durability, and mechanical strategy in one of Europe’s harshest motorsport environments.

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