History 1970s

1977 Rallye de Portugal (Portugal)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 11º Rallye de Portugal

Date: March 1–6, 1977

Host Country: Portugal

Surface: Mixed Tarmac / Gravel

Total Distance: ~2,200 km

Total Starters: 117 crews

Total Finishers: 29 crews

The 1977 Rallye de Portugal presented a brutal mix of slippery mountain tarmac and rough, rutted gravel roads under ever-changing spring weather. Markku Alén, with co-driver Ilkka Kivimäki, pushed the Fiat 131 Abarth through all conditions with relentless speed and consistency, earning Fiat its first major win of the season and proving the car’s growing reliability and dominance on mixed surfaces.

Route

Sintra Mountains: Tight, damp tarmac roads with heavy elevation changes and blind corners.
Arganil Region: Legendary gravel stages with deep ruts, fog, and rivers cutting across the route.
Figueira da Foz Loop: Coastal winds, sandy tarmac, and early spring showers made for unpredictable grip.

Starting in Estoril and ranging across central Portugal, the event featured asphalt coastal stages, inland gravel sections, and mountain climbs—all under rapidly shifting weather.

Persistent rain and muddy gravel made tire choice and traction control critical, with many retirements due to punctures and mechanical failures.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Markku Alén & Ilkka Kivimäki · Fiat 131 Abarth
2nd Place
Jean-Pierre Nicolas & Michel Vial · Peugeot 504 V6 Coupé
3rd Place
Hannu Mikkola & Atso Aho · Toyota Celica 2000GT

Alén’s flat-out style was perfectly balanced by Kivimäki’s precision on the notes, allowing the duo to excel in both gravel endurance and tarmac bursts—setting the tone for Fiat’s championship campaign.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Mud and Water Crossings: Arganil’s river stages and water-damaged roads caused suspension and engine trouble.
  • Fog and Rain: Limited visibility on high-altitude loops made co-driver accuracy and light setup essential.
  • Mixed Surface Wear: Transitioning from gravel to tarmac wrecked tires and brakes if not managed carefully.

The 1977 Rallye de Portugal was a classic attrition event—Alén’s mastery of all surfaces and Fiat’s mechanical endurance delivered a defining victory in a legendary edition of the rally.

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