History 1970s

1970 Daily Mirror London–Mexico World Cup Rally (Transcontinental: UK to Mexico)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1970 Daily Mirror London–Mexico World Cup Rally

Date: April 19 – May 27, 1970

Host Regions: Europe, South America, Central America, North America

Surface: Mixed (gravel & asphalt, cross-continental)

Total Distance: ~25,750 km

Total Starters: 96 crews

Total Finishers: 23 crews

The 1970 London–Mexico Rally was conceived as a promotional event for the FIFA World Cup in Mexico. It was a colossal undertaking that spanned two continents, multiple climates, and both political and physical obstacles. With factory teams and privateers alike vying for glory, it became one of the most legendary marathon rallies in history.

Route

Europe: Started in London, passed through France, Spain, and Portugal, before shipping from Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro.
South America: Traversed Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia, crossing mountain ranges and jungle trails.
North America: After airlifting from Colombia to Panama, teams drove through Central America to the final push into Mexico City.

Crews drove from the UK to Mexico via an extraordinary mix of highways, mountain tracks, and unmarked terrain.

Navigation errors, altitude sickness, and mechanical failures were common on this ultra-endurance route, with few support options across vast stretches.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Hannu Mikkola & Gunnar Palm · Ford Escort 1850 GT
2nd Place
Rauno Aaltonen & Henry Liddon · BLMC Austin Maxi
3rd Place
Gilbert Staepelaere & André Aerts · Ford Escort 1850 GT

Mikkola and Palm delivered a masterclass in durability and pace, overcoming altitude, jungle, and deserts to clinch a historic win for Ford.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Logistics: Border crossings, ocean freighting, and airlifts were part of the challenge.
  • Terrain Shifts: From Alpine passes to South American jungle and desert flats—conditions changed daily.
  • Driver Endurance: Crews were on the road for over a month, often sleeping in their vehicles and repairing on the fly.

The 1970 London–Mexico World Cup Rally remains one of the most daring and celebrated feats in rally history—an odyssey across continents few would attempt again.

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