History 1970s

1972 Southern Cross Rally (Australia)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1972 Southern Cross Rally

Date: October 1972

Host Country: Australia

Surface: Gravel

Total Distance: ~1,823 km

Total Starters: 65 crews

Total Finishers: 28 crews

The 1972 Southern Cross Rally presented one of the most grueling gravel events of the year, winding through New South Wales from Sydney to Port Macquarie and back. Known for its long night stages, forest hazards, and rapid pace, the rally demanded resilience and adaptability. It marked Mitsubishi’s first major international victory—spearheaded by the experienced Andrew Cowan and co-driver John Bryson.

Route

State Forest Roads: Narrow gravel routes with tight corners and frequent jumps through dense foliage.
Mountainous Sections: Fast descents and blind crests tested both co-driver timing and driver commitment.
Night Stages: Extended nighttime runs required exceptional lighting setups and intense concentration.

The event ran up the east coast of Australia, with stages cutting through dense eucalyptus forests, mountain ridgelines, and remote bushland tracks.

Weather remained mostly dry, but dust buildup and wildlife hazards kept crews alert and risk-averse throughout the event.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Andrew Cowan & John Bryson · Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR
2nd Place
Colin Bond & George Shepheard · Holden Torana GTR XU-1
3rd Place
Barry Ferguson & Dave Johnson · Datsun 1600

Cowan and Bryson’s consistency, combined with the Lancer’s agility and durability, earned Mitsubishi its breakthrough rally victory and a firm foothold in international motorsport.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Driver Fatigue: Long stints with minimal daylight pushed physical and mental endurance to the limit.
  • Forest Obstacles: Fallen limbs, wildlife, and shifting surfaces created constant uncertainty at speed.
  • Strategic Pacing: Crews had to balance aggression and survival over multi-hour stretches without service breaks.

The 1972 Southern Cross Rally showcased the grit and focus needed to conquer Australia’s backcountry—and solidified Cowan and Mitsubishi as emerging forces in the global rally arena.

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