History 1960s

1964 Coupe des Alpes

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

The 1964 Coupe des Alpes was one of the most demanding rally events in Europe, traversing some of the highest and most technical roads across the French Alps. Organized by the Automobile Club de Nice, the rally combined long-distance endurance with high-altitude driving and unpredictable mountain weather. The event maintained its reputation as a premier test of driver skill, mechanical reliability, and co-driver precision.

Event Name: 1964 Coupe des Alpes

Date: June 22–27, 1964

Start/Finish Location: Marseille / Nice, France

Total Distance: Approximately 3,500 kilometers

Participating Teams: Over 90 crews

Route

Col de la Bonette: One of Europe's highest paved roads, with sweeping views and steep hairpins.
Col d’Allos & Col de la Cayolle: Narrow switchbacks and exposed drop-offs requiring surgical steering control.
Mercantour Region: Forested segments with mixed surfaces and fog-prone microclimates.

The route included legendary Alpine terrain with a mix of high passes, twisty descents, and elevation changes that tested both equipment and driver focus:

Braking discipline and throttle modulation were essential for preserving tires and driveline integrity through the multiday challenge.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
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2nd Place
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3rd Place
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Navigation & Challenges

Navigation and pacing strategy were pivotal throughout the rally. Crews had to account for sudden altitude changes and unpredictable weather while managing fatigue over five consecutive days of driving.

  • Weather Swings: Sudden shifts from sun to fog, rain, or hail—sometimes within a single stage.
  • Altitude Effects: Reduced oxygen challenged both engines and drivers, especially during extended climbs.
  • Road Margin: Hairpins with no guardrails punished even small errors in judgment or timing.

The 1964 Coupe des Alpes remained a jewel of the European rally calendar—respected for its unforgiving terrain and the high skill ceiling it demanded of all competitors.

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