History 1970s

1979 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 26th Acropolis Rally

Date: May 28–31, 1979

Host Country: Greece

Surface: Gravel

Total Distance: ~2,800 km

Total Starters: Approx. 80 crews

Total Finishers: 24 crews

The Acropolis Rally is legendary for its unforgiving conditions, and the 1979 edition was no exception. Dry, rocky stages under the scorching Greek sun pushed drivers and machinery to the brink. Björn Waldegård and Hans Thorszelius delivered a masterclass in mechanical preservation and high-speed gravel driving, taking victory in their Ford Escort RS1800 in one of the most demanding events on the WRC calendar.

Route

Mount Parnassus & Lamia: Rocky mountain stages with long climbs, tight hairpins, and large boulder hazards.
Peloponnese Region: Fast, dusty tracks that severely tested air filters, cooling, and tires.
Parnitha & Attica Loops: Shorter, twistier stages near Athens—technical but no less punishing.

Based out of Athens, the route wound through central and southern Greece, with rough mountain trails and blistering plains punishing suspension and navigation alike.

Midday heat routinely exceeded 35°C, creating a brutal test for crews who had to keep a relentless pace without overdriving fragile components.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Björn Waldegård & Hans Thorszelius · Ford Escort RS1800
2nd Place
Hannu Mikkola & Arne Hertz · Ford Escort RS1800
3rd Place
Markku Alén & Ilkka Kivimäki · Fiat 131 Abarth

Waldegård’s clean and calculated approach kept him ahead of teammate Mikkola, while many other favorites succumbed to mechanical issues or off-road excursions in the merciless Greek terrain.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Sharp Rocks: Frequent punctures and underbody damage punished aggressive lines.
  • Heat & Dust: Interior temps soared, and dust clouds could linger for minutes—visibility and breathing were serious concerns.
  • Endurance Pace: Teams had to maintain strong speed over four brutal days without overdriving—mechanical attrition eliminated many fast contenders.

The 1979 Acropolis Rally was a trial by fire—Waldegård’s victory came from calm control and mechanical preservation on one of the WRC’s harshest proving grounds.

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