History 1970s

1977 Rally of New Zealand (New Zealand)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 17th Rally of New Zealand

Date: May 1–7, 1977

Host Country: New Zealand

Surface: Mixed Tarmac / Gravel

Total Distance: ~2,300 km

Total Starters: Approx. 78 crews

Total Finishers: 32 crews

The 1977 Rally of New Zealand delivered a breathtaking challenge across the country’s diverse landscapes, with smooth flowing gravel roads, rugged farm tracks, and patches of sealed tarmac through hilly terrain. Italian driver Fulvio Bacchelli and co-driver Francesco Rossetti expertly managed the transitions and pace in their Fiat 131 Abarth to take a celebrated victory on the far side of the globe.

Route

Rotorua and Taupō Regions: Smooth, sweeping gravel with soft cambers and forest shadows.
Waikato Plains: Fast agricultural roads with dust clouds and high wind exposure.
Auckland Fringes: Mixed tarmac and suburban transitions with tight turns and drainage dips.

The route spanned both urban and rural areas of the North Island, mixing high-speed forestry stages, alpine roads, and coastal loops with frequent surface changes.

Consistent autumn weather allowed for relatively dry running conditions, though lingering mud and elevation shifts added complexity to the already technical stages.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Fulvio Bacchelli & Francesco Rossetti · Fiat 131 Abarth
2nd Place
Mike Marshall & Jim Scott · Datsun 710 SSS
3rd Place
Blair Robson & Roger Freeth · Ford Escort RS1800

Bacchelli’s precise rhythm on gravel and Rossetti’s sharp pacenotes gave the Fiat team the edge in New Zealand’s fast-changing terrain—marking a rare but significant international win in the southern hemisphere.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Surface Transitions: Abrupt shifts between gravel and sealed roads demanded real-time grip adjustments.
  • Stage Length: Long stages tested tire durability and engine cooling over hilly routes and river crossings.
  • Local Competition: Experienced New Zealanders pushed hard, knowing the terrain and line choices intimately.

The 1977 Rally of New Zealand blended scenery, speed, and strategy—culminating in a hard-earned win for Fiat’s international effort in a land known for its rallying purity.

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