History 1970s

1973 Rallye Costa Brava (Spain)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 21º Rallye Costa Brava

Date: February 10–12, 1973

Host Country: Spain

Surface: Mixed Asphalt / Gravel

Total Competitive Distance: 321 km

Total Overall Distance: ~1,012 km

Total Starters: 68 crews

Total Finishers: 41 crews

The 1973 Rallye Costa Brava challenged competitors with a demanding mix of tarmac and gravel, winding through Catalonia’s coastal roads and interior mountains. As part of the European Rally Championship and a key event in Spain’s rally calendar, it tested adaptability and endurance. Munari and Mannucci delivered a superb drive to give Lancia another crucial early-season win.

Route

Montseny Mountains: Elevation-heavy tarmac stages with blind crests and tight switchbacks.
Gravel Link Sections: Rough, loose surfaces connecting paved segments through rural terrain.
Urban Sprint Zones: Narrow passes through Catalan towns tested braking precision and line discipline.

The route snaked through the Girona province, including technical hill climbs, rough gravel descents, and fast flowing coastal loops that required quick surface transitions and tire strategy finesse.

Rain in the opening stages further complicated traction and made the early tire choices pivotal to survival and early positioning.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Sandro Munari & Mario Mannucci · Lancia Fulvia HF 1.6 Coupé
2nd Place
Salvador Cañellas & Jorge Babler · SEAT 124
3rd Place
Bernard Darniche & Alain Mahé · Alpine A110 1800

Munari’s command of changing surfaces and Mannucci’s precise navigation secured a clean win, showcasing the Fulvia’s continued competitiveness despite rising opposition.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Surface Transitions: Shifting between asphalt and gravel demanded instant setup adaptation and clear pace notes.
  • Grip Variability: Damp morning tarmac and dry gravel created unpredictable traction conditions.
  • Driver Fatigue: Long competitive distances across two full rally days wore on both mechanicals and crew concentration.

The 1973 Costa Brava Rally delivered a classic Iberian challenge, and Munari’s experience proved vital in giving Lancia yet another prestigious rally victory on a demanding mixed terrain course.

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