History 1970s

1970 TAP Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1970 TAP Rallye de Portugal

Date: October 2–5, 1970

Start Locations: Lisbon, Porto, Madrid, Paris, Brussels, London, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, and Amsterdam

Finish Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Total Starters: 190 crews

Total Finishers: 22 crews

The fourth TAP Rallye de Portugal joined the first European Rally Championship and attracted a record 190 entries. Competitors faced four days of demanding asphalt and gravel stages across Portugal, but only 22 crews survived to the finish.

Route

Western Loop: Lisbon, Porto, Madrid
Central Corridor: Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, Munich
Northern Leg: London, Copenhagen
Eastern Approach: Vienna, Amsterdam

Crews departed from eleven European cities, grouped into regional legs:

All routes converged on Lisbon for 12 special stages totalling 205.50 km on mixed-surface roads around the Setúbal Peninsula and Sintra hills, demanding precise tire choice and navigation.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Simo Lampinen & John Davenport · Lancia Fulvia 1.6 Coupé HF
2nd Place
Sandro Munari & Arnaldo Bernacchini · Lancia Fulvia HF 1600
3rd Place
Björn Waldegård & Hans Thorszelius · Porsche 911 S

Lancia Fulvia swept the top two positions, while the Porsche 911 S completed the podium with a strong showing in varied conditions.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mixed-Surface Stages: Asphalt and gravel roads tested suspension and tire wear.
  • Long Liaison Distances: Over 3000km of non-competitive transfers strained crew endurance and vehicle reliability.
  • Weather Variability: Sunshine gave way to rain or fog in the hills, affecting grip and visibility.

The 1970 TAP Rallye de Portugal is remembered for its record entries, high-speed stages, and the dominant performance of the Lancia Fulvia in one of Europe’s toughest mixed-surface events.

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