History 1960s

1964 1000 Lakes Rally (Finland)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Known for its blistering pace, blind crests, and countless jumps, the 1964 1000 Lakes Rally was a definitive showcase of Finnish rally culture. As one of the fastest rallies on the European calendar, it demanded razor-sharp reflexes and total trust between driver and co-driver. The event heavily favored local talent and Scandinavian-built vehicles, further establishing Finland as a breeding ground for future rally champions.

Event Name: 1964 1000 Lakes Rally (Rally of the Thousand Lakes)

Date: August 1964

Start/Finish Location: Jyväskylä, Finland

Total Distance: Over 1,500 kilometers

Participating Teams: Over 90 crews

Route

Jumps and Crests: Dozens of jumps tested suspension tuning, throttle control, and driver commitment.

Forest Sections: High-speed, tree-lined paths with little margin for error required pinpoint steering precision.

Lakeside Roads: Narrow, cambered tracks with scenic but hazardous shoulders and soft verges.

Stages ran predominantly on fast-flowing gravel roads through the forests and lake regions of central Finland:

Local knowledge was often the deciding factor, as Finnish crews maintained relentless pace through familiar, high-risk terrain.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner

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2nd Place

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3rd Place

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Navigation & Challenges

Success at the 1000 Lakes Rally required more than bravery—it demanded near-perfect timing, blind faith in pace notes, and mechanical resilience:

Blind Crests: Fast-approaching jumps often hid corners or elevation drops, requiring memorization and flawless co-driver calls.
High Speeds: Rallying at average speeds over 110 km/h, small errors were quickly punished by trees, rocks, or ditches.
Surface Variation: Changes in gravel depth and moisture made traction unpredictable between stages and even within single runs.

The 1964 edition reinforced the 1000 Lakes Rally’s reputation as a high-speed battleground where only the most composed and prepared would survive.

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