History 1970s

1976 International Swedish Rally (Sweden)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 26th International Swedish Rally

Date: February 20–22, 1976

Host Country: Sweden

Surface: Snow / Ice

Total Distance: ~1,300 km

Total Starters: 94 crews

Total Finishers: 46 crews

The 1976 Swedish Rally remained one of the purest snow events on the calendar, with blistering pace across packed ice and snow-covered forest roads. Per Eklund and Björn Cederberg delivered a passionate home victory for Saab, using the front-wheel-drive 96 V4 to master every snowy stage with surgical precision. Their win was a high point for both Swedish rally fans and the fading but beloved Saab platform.

Route

Hagfors and Torsby stages: Iconic Swedish winter roads that demanded confidence and commitment on ice.
Frozen Lakes: Flat-out speed sections with studded-tire grip and wide sightlines—but brutal on mechanicals.
Night Runs: Darkness and blowing snow made even familiar stages treacherous and unforgiving.

Based out of Karlstad, the route looped through Värmland's dense forest regions, with high-speed sections punctuated by sweeping crests and tight, snowbank-lined corners.

Heavy snowfall in the days before the rally created tall snowbanks—helpful for car placement, but risky if struck at the wrong angle.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Per Eklund & Björn Cederberg · Saab 96 V4
2nd Place
Stig Blomqvist & Arne Hertz · Saab 96 V4
3rd Place
Simo Lampinen & John Davenport · Fiat 124 Abarth Rallye

Eklund’s aggressive but composed driving style proved decisive, while Saab’s experience in snow performance ensured a 1–2 finish for the iconic Swedish marque.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Studded Tire Strategy: Getting the length, pattern, and pressure right was essential to maximize grip on ice.
  • Snowbank Management: Drivers relied on snowbanks to “bounce” through corners—but too much contact meant retirement.
  • Extreme Cold: Freezing temperatures tested car components and forced crews to fight fatigue inside icy cabins.

The 1976 Swedish Rally was a celebration of Scandinavian rally craft, and Per Eklund’s win marked one of Saab’s final great triumphs in world-class competition.

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