History 1970s

1978 Scottish Rally (United Kingdom)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1978 Scottish Rally

Date: June 3–7, 1978

Host Country: United Kingdom

Surface: Gravel

FIA Cup Status: Round of the 1978 FIA Cup for Drivers

Total Distance: ~1,000 km

Total Starters: Approx. 90 crews

Total Finishers: N/A

As a key round in the FIA Cup for Drivers, the 1978 Scottish Rally challenged crews with long, flowing gravel forest stages across the Scottish Highlands. Hannu Mikkola and Arne Hertz delivered a composed and confident performance in their Ford Escort RS1800, managing the high-speed terrain with precision to claim the overall win and boost their standings in the drivers' championship.

Route

Craigvinean and Errochty: Smooth but slippery gravel with tree-lined routes and minimal runoff.
Loch Ard and Drummond Hill: High-speed sectors demanding commitment and precise braking points.
Ben Lawers Region: Mixed-surface routes with sudden elevation shifts and exposed rock hazards.

The rally featured classic British forest stages, running through regions such as Perthshire and the Grampians, with a mix of fast straights, hairpins, and narrow wooded passages.

Rainfall during early stages created mud and standing water in some areas, testing the Escort’s traction and driver patience on slick descents and fast exits.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Hannu Mikkola & Arne Hertz · Ford Escort RS1800
2nd Place
Russell Brookes & John Brown · Ford Escort RS1800
3rd Place
Malcolm Wilson & Nigel Harris · Ford Escort RS1800

Mikkola’s extensive gravel experience and Hertz’s smooth pacenote delivery gave them a comfortable lead by the final day—extending their international momentum in both WRC and FIA Cup appearances.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Forest Hazards: Tight routes with little margin punished small errors with tree impacts or ditch recoveries.
  • Variable Weather: Frequent showers altered grip mid-stage, requiring quick tire and pace adjustments.
  • Stage Repetition: Crews had to adapt to deepening ruts and puddles in return passes through the same sectors.

The 1978 Scottish Rally was a critical round for FIA Cup contenders—Mikkola’s victory reinforced his status as a global rally force and master of British terrain.

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