History 1980s

1982 Acropolis Rally (Greece)

Overview Route Results Cars Challenges

Overview

Event Name: 1982 Acropolis Rally

Date: May 31 – June 3, 1982

Host Country: Greece

Surface: Gravel

Total Distance: 967.58 km (competitive)

Total Starters: Approx. 85 crews

Total Finishers: 28 crews

Known as the “Rally of the Gods,” the Acropolis Rally in 1982 tested every ounce of mechanical endurance and driver resilience. Under the blistering Greek sun and across brutally sharp gravel roads, Michèle Mouton and Fabrizia Pons delivered a powerful performance in their Audi Quattro. Their victory made Mouton the first woman to win the Acropolis, as well as the first WRC driver to win both tarmac and gravel rallies in the same season—a groundbreaking feat for both rallying and motorsport history.

Route

Livadia Region: Rugged mountain tracks with loose rock and severe suspension punishment.
Attica Stages: Faster-flowing gravel but with thick dust clouds and tight cliffside turns.
Lamia Finals: High-speed finishes through barren, exposed hills—visibility and tire wear were critical.

The rally wound through the dry, rocky mountains of central Greece, including stages near Delphi, Lamia, and Kalabaka. Crews had little relief from the oppressive heat and punishing terrain.

The combination of long stage distances, searing temperatures, and sharp-edged gravel made the Acropolis a true survival event. Crews faced daily attrition and damage control strategy just to finish.

🏆 Results

Overall Winner
Michèle Mouton & Fabrizia Pons · Audi Quattro
2nd Place
Walter Röhrl & Christian Geistdörfer · Opel Ascona 400
3rd Place
Ari Vatanen & Terry Harryman · Ford Escort RS1800 MkII

Mouton drove with patience and poise, avoiding major errors while others faltered. Röhrl challenged consistently but couldn’t match the Quattro’s pace on steep climbs. Vatanen held strong in the rugged Escort, bringing home a hard-fought podium.

Navigation & Challenges

  • Heat Fatigue: Cockpit temps exceeded 50°C—hydration and physical endurance were as crucial as pace.
  • Dust & Rocks: Thick dust clouds reduced visibility, while sharp stones tore through tires and radiators.
  • Car Preservation: Success depended on mechanical sympathy—many crews drove below max pace just to survive.

Mouton’s Acropolis victory cemented her status as a true all-surface champion. Her blend of speed, restraint, and technical awareness helped Audi tame one of rally’s most punishing battlegrounds.

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