History 1970s

1976 Rallye Bandama Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1976 Rallye Bandama Côte d'Ivoire

Date: October 21–24, 1976

Host Country: Ivory Coast

Surface: Gravel / Dirt

Total Distance: ~3,000 km

Total Starters: Approx. 54 crews

Total Finishers: 15 crews

Known for punishing heat, long distances, and unpredictable African terrain, the 1976 Rallye Bandama in Côte d'Ivoire demanded mechanical endurance and absolute mental resilience. Winding through savannah, jungle trails, and rutted farm tracks, it was less about stage times and more about simply surviving to the finish. As one of Africa's premier rallies outside of East Africa, Bandama gained a fearsome reputation that year for high attrition and brutal terrain.

Route

Yamoussoukro Loop: Fast open tracks turning to clay mud after storms.
Taï Forest Region: Dense vegetation with twisting jungle roads and stream crossings.
Korhogo to Bouaké: Long transit stages that punished suspension and brakes with constant vibration.

Stages looped out from Abidjan into the central and northern parts of Côte d'Ivoire, crossing through humid forests, dusty plains, and remote river valleys.

High ambient temperatures and sudden tropical storms added extra pressure on drivers, machinery, and tires throughout the marathon-format rally.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Winner details not confirmed; documentation limited
2nd Place
Data not confirmed
3rd Place
Data not confirmed

Though official records are sparse, the few finishers were often local drivers or those with significant African rally experience—highlighting the difficulty for European teams unfamiliar with the terrain and navigation style.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Jungle Hazards: Narrow trails and heavy vegetation caused visibility issues and steering damage.
  • Heat and Humidity: Constant engine strain and high cockpit temps drained both driver and car.
  • Limited Support: Sparse service access meant repairs were often roadside improvisations.

The 1976 Bandama Rally was Africa at its most unforgiving—mechanical toughness and endurance were the only ways through.

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