History 1970s

1978 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 26th Acropolis Rally

Date: May 29 – June 2, 1978

Host Country: Greece

Surface: Mixed Tarmac / Gravel

Total Distance: ~2,900 km

Total Starters: 105 crews

Total Finishers: 24 crews

The 1978 Acropolis Rally reaffirmed its status as one of the most punishing events on the WRC calendar. With searing heat, mountainous terrain, and endless rock-strewn gravel roads, survival was as important as speed. Walter Röhrl and Christian Geistdörfer displayed masterful composure and consistency in their Fiat 131 Abarth to secure a hard-fought victory—marking Röhrl’s first WRC win and a turning point in his rally career.

Route

Lamia Region: Dry, rocky roads with tight switchbacks and constant elevation changes.
Delphi–Arachova Stages: Narrow cliffside roads with loose surfaces and sharp drop-offs.
Peloponnese Loops: Longer stages with a mix of smoother gravel and broken tarmac sections.

The rally wound through central and southern Greece, from Athens to the rugged interior near Lamia, Delphi, and Kalambaka, combining fast gravel stages with brief tarmac links between mountainous zones.

Dust and rock damage plagued many crews, while hot and dry conditions made tire management and cooling critical over the multi-day marathon.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Walter Röhrl & Christian Geistdörfer · Fiat 131 Abarth
2nd Place
Jean-Pierre Nicolas & Vincent Laverne · Peugeot 504 V6 Coupé
3rd Place
Hannu Mikkola & Arne Hertz · Ford Escort RS1800

Röhrl’s calm driving style and sharp navigation from Geistdörfer helped them manage the pace over Greece’s brutal terrain, earning the duo their first major international victory.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Sharp Rocks: Tire and suspension damage was a constant threat on unmaintained gravel trails.
  • Heat and Dust: Engine cooling, brake fade, and visibility issues affected pace in afternoon loops.
  • Driver Endurance: The event’s length and intensity demanded absolute focus and stamina across multiple long days.

The 1978 Acropolis Rally was a true test of durability and discipline—Röhrl’s win proved he could not only go fast, but survive one of rallying’s greatest trials.

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