History 1970s

1971 Rallye Vltava

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1971 Rallye Vltava

Date: June 1971

Host Country: Czechoslovakia

Surface: Mixed

Total Distance: N/A

Total Starters: 64 crews

Total Finishers: 42 crews

The 1971 Rallye Vltava was one of Eastern Europe’s most technically demanding events, known for combining fast open tarmac with occasional gravel segments through the Bohemian countryside. It was a test of commitment and setup, with roads that demanded both high-speed control and quick adjustments under changing grip conditions.

Route

Bohemian Hills: Fast-paced roads with sweeping elevation changes and variable surfaces.
Forested Stages: Tight tree-lined roads with frequent gravel transitions and light debris.
Village Sections: Narrow tarmac with abrupt turns, changes in camber, and tight junctions.

The rally ran through southern and central Czechoslovakia, with stages looping around towns such as České Budějovice and the Vltava River basin.

The rally’s hallmark was unpredictability—mixed weather, mixed surfaces, and sharp contrast between stage types made setup a constant compromise.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Simo Lampinen & John Davenport · Saab 96 V4
2nd Place
Václav Blahna & Jiří Motal · Škoda 110 L Rallye
3rd Place
Rudi Stohl & Peter Diekmann · Opel Kadett Rallye

Lampinen’s experience on mixed-surface rallies, combined with Davenport’s consistent pace notes, gave the Saab team the edge over a strong regional field led by Škoda.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mixed Surface Transitions: Abrupt switches between asphalt and gravel mid-stage tested setup and tire pressure choices.
  • Weather Variability: Sudden rainfall in June often created slick patches in shaded hill stages.
  • Technical Pacing: Drivers had to constantly balance aggression with preservation over stages that punished overdriving.

The 1971 Rallye Vltava showcased the Saab 96 V4’s versatility and Lampinen’s finesse—proving that adaptability was as important as outright speed in Eastern Europe’s premier rally challenge.

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