History 1970s

1971 Rallye du Maroc (Morocco)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1971 Rallye du Maroc

Date: April 28 – May 1, 1971

Host Country: Morocco

Surface: Mixed

Total Distance: N/A

Total Starters: 69 crews

Total Finishers: 28 crews

The 1971 Rallye du Maroc delivered one of the harshest and most punishing events of the year. Spanning deserts, rocky plateaus, and dusty mountain roads, it pushed drivers and vehicles alike to their mechanical and physical limits. The Citroën SM’s surprising blend of power and futuristic suspension made it a formidable force across Morocco’s grueling terrain.

Route

Atlas Mountains: Tight, rugged mountain tracks with loose gravel and steep drops.
Saharan Fringes: Dust-heavy plains and rocky desert stretches that tested air filters and tire durability.
Urban-Rural Transits: Mix of city outskirts and remote villages brought varying surface quality and visibility.

The route traversed remote Moroccan regions, with long stages across arid landscapes and unforgiving road surfaces, from the Atlas Mountains to the desert’s edge.

Endurance and route-finding were just as vital as pace, with mechanical attrition claiming many would-be front runners.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Jean Deschazeaux & Jean Todt · Citroën SM
2nd Place
Ove Andersson & Jean-François Jacob · Renault 12 Gordini
3rd Place
Rauno Aaltonen & Lofty Drews · Peugeot 504

Deschazeaux and Todt’s intelligent pacing and the SM’s hydropneumatic suspension allowed them to float over terrain that battered their rivals—securing a landmark victory for Citroën in African rallying.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Extreme Heat: Temperatures often exceeded 40°C, stressing cooling systems and tires.
  • Dust and Debris: Fine sand penetrated air filters and moving parts, causing mechanical failure.
  • Remote Recovery: Long distances between service points made breakdowns far more consequential.

The 1971 Rallye du Maroc demanded engineering ingenuity and tactical brilliance—qualities Deschazeaux and Todt exhibited in abundance aboard their unorthodox but victorious Citroën SM.

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