History 1970s

1976 Rallye du Maroc (Morocco)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 19ème Rallye du Maroc

Date: June 22–27, 1976

Host Country: Morocco

Surface: Gravel

Total Distance: ~3,000 km

Total Starters: 58 crews

Total Finishers: 15 crews

The 1976 Rallye du Maroc delivered intense heat, deep sand, and endless dust across one of the harshest routes in rallying. Jean-Pierre Nicolas and Michel Gamet triumphed in their powerful Peugeot 504 V6 Coupé, navigating the desert terrain with tactical precision and mechanical discipline. Their victory was a masterclass in durability and endurance amid Morocco’s unforgiving landscape.

Route

Marrakech to Ouarzazate: Mountain switchbacks with loose gravel and sheer drop-offs.
Errachidia Region: Rocky desert stages and dry riverbeds with intense suspension wear.
High Atlas Passes: Challenging climbs and descents with blind turns and overheating risk.

The rally carved a loop through Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, Sahara-edge plateaus, and remote Berber villages—testing crews with elevation changes, washboard gravel, and desert heat.

Searing daytime temperatures and fine dust put every car’s cooling, filtration, and drivetrain under extreme strain throughout the marathon rally.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Jean-Pierre Nicolas & Michel Gamet · Peugeot 504 V6 Coupé
2nd Place
Simo Lampinen & Jean Todt · Fiat 131 Abarth
3rd Place
Björn Waldegård & Hans Thorszelius · Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC

Nicolas and Gamet’s calculated pace and the Peugeot’s legendary reliability overcame the terrain, beating faster cars that succumbed to breakdowns or navigation errors.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Navigation Errors: Sparse landmarks and washed-out tracks made accurate notes and compass skills critical.
  • Heat Fatigue: Cockpit temperatures soared over 50°C, challenging crew stamina and focus.
  • Mechanical Attrition: Chassis fatigue, cracked sumps, and clogged air filters claimed dozens of competitors.

The 1976 Rallye du Maroc demanded mechanical toughness and human resilience—Nicolas and Peugeot delivered both to claim a heroic desert rally win.

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