History 1970s

1974 Rali Internacional TAP (Portugal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 8º Rali Internacional TAP

Date: March 20–23, 1974

Host Country: Portugal

Surface: Mixed Asphalt / Gravel

Total Distance: 454 km (competitive)

Total Starters: 78 crews

Total Finishers: 31 crews

The 1974 TAP Rally once again lived up to its reputation as one of the most technical and punishing rallies in Europe. Featuring a mix of high-speed asphalt sections and rough, rock-laden gravel stages across Portugal’s countryside, the event demanded both versatility and endurance. Fiat’s Raffaele Pinto and Arnaldo Bernacchini expertly handled the shifting terrain to claim an essential win in the early WRC season.

Route

Mountain Gravel Stages: Loose rock and dry dust made for treacherous braking zones and poor traction on corners.
Tarmac Link Sections: Smooth, high-speed asphalt pushed cars to their limit between the off-road segments.
River Valleys: Narrow and winding roads along valley edges with shifting grip and hidden hazards.

The rally’s route extended from Lisbon through central Portugal’s mountainous interior, with winding tarmac roads, gravel ridge runs, and steep elevation changes testing both crew and machine.

Unpredictable spring weather added rain showers in the north, creating muddy transitions and scattered tire strategy gambles throughout the event.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Raffaele Pinto & Arnaldo Bernacchini · Fiat 124 Abarth Rallye
2nd Place
Jean-Luc Thérier & Christian Delferrier · Alpine-Renault A110 1800
3rd Place
Ove Andersson & Arne Hertz · Toyota Corolla Levin

Pinto’s steady drive and Bernacchini’s reliable pace notes ensured Fiat held their advantage on both surfaces, outlasting the Alpine’s tarmac pace and fending off Toyota’s gravel challenge.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Surface Transitions: Switching from asphalt to gravel mid-stage created grip unpredictability and suspension setup compromises.
  • Mechanical Strain: Sharp rocks and long distances put drivetrains and tires under constant threat of failure.
  • Weather Shifts: Isolated downpours turned certain gravel routes into slippery mud traps, catching out several top contenders.

The 1974 TAP Rally was a true driver’s event, and Pinto’s victory highlighted the balance of aggression and preservation needed to succeed across Portugal’s punishing and picturesque stages.

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