History 1960s

1964 Acropolis Rally

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

The 1964 Acropolis Rally, part of the European Rally Championship, was a punishing test of driver skill and mechanical resilience. Held in the rugged Greek countryside, it featured harsh gravel surfaces, scorching temperatures, and elevation-heavy routes that placed immense stress on vehicles and crews alike. With Athens as the rally hub, the event unfolded over thousands of kilometers of rough terrain and extreme conditions.

Event Name: 1964 Acropolis Rally

Date: May 14–17, 1964

Start/Finish Location: Athens, Greece

Total Distance: Approximately 3,000 kilometers

Participating Teams: 72 crews

Route

Mount Parnassus: Rocky, technical stages with sharp elevation changes and minimal margin for error.
Peloponnese Region: Long, punishing stages that exposed cars to heat and dust across open plains and hills.
Return to Attica: Faster, flowing gravel stages en route to the finish in Athens.

The rally wound through mountainous and coastal regions of central and southern Greece, including:

The rally’s unforgiving landscape resulted in high attrition and demanded cautious driving, careful navigation, and exceptional vehicle preparation.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Tom Trana & Gunnar Thermaenius · Volvo PV 544
2nd Place
Carl-Magnus Skogh & Lennart Berggren · Volvo Amazon 122S
3rd Place
Bengt Söderström & Gunnar Palm · Ford Cortina GT

Trana’s skill and the Volvo PV 544’s proven toughness allowed them to outlast competitors in one of the season’s most difficult events.

Navigation & Challenges

The Acropolis Rally in 1964 solidified its reputation as a punishing contest of endurance and precision, requiring meticulous planning and unshakeable focus.

  • Heat Exhaustion: Temperatures tested both drivers’ stamina and engine cooling systems.
  • Gravel and Rocks: Frequent punctures and suspension damage were common and rally-ending for many crews.
  • Dust and Visibility: Poor visibility in the wake of other cars added to the co-driver’s navigational challenge.
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