Surviving the Elements and Triumphing in the Wilderness: The Epic 1978 East African Safari Rally

The East African Safari Rally is a Rally-Raid (long distance off-road racing) competition held in Kenya. One of the most grueling and prestigious rallies in the world, it has been held annually since 1953. The rally covers 3,100-miles or 5,000 kilometers. The roads are often rough and uneven, dusty or muddy depending on the weather. The East African Safari Rally is typically held in July or August, Kenya's rainy season, which means that drivers may have to deal with rain, mud, and flooding. If the weather is very hot and humid, it's not only difficult for the drivers, but can also put a lot of stress on the cars.
The 1978 East African Safari Rally was the 26th year. Of the 153 drivers who entered the Rally, only 15 drivers actually finished as many of the cars suffered mechanical problems. A number of notable competitors entered the rally including Ari Vatanen, who finished fourth in a Ford Escort RS1800, and Shekhar Mehta, who finished 10th in a Datsun 160J. However, depending on who you asked, the Porsche team was one of the favorites to win, and they delivered when the entire Porsche team all managed to place while driving the Porsche 911 SC. Edgard Heimann and Claude Billoux finished in seventh place, while Vic Preston Jr. and John Lyall came in third. Despite losing their rear axle tiebar after accidentally hitting a boulder that was hidden in the mud, Björn Waldegård and Hans Thorszelius still won second place. Jean-Pierre Nicolas and his co-driver Jean-Claude Bertrand took first place by completing the rally in 94 hours and 30 min after keeping their Porsche running smoothly.
The East African Safari Rally is a legendary event in the world of motorsport, and the 1978 running of the rally was one of the most exciting and memorable. Jean-Pierre Nicolas's and Jean-Claude Bertrand's victory was a testament to their skill and determination, and it's a victory that is still remembered today.
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[@ZondaF355]

Someone make sure Mr. Richard Tuthill sees this one. Amazing footage and why I love the internet!

[@tavshedfjols]

Cool video, would love more motorsports stuff like this

[@KingRoseArchives]

Thank you for watching and for the feedback! We add more videos every week - we hope you continue to enjoy!! 😊

[@Ecosse57]

thank you!

[@KingRoseArchives]

Thank YOU!!

[@ericthongori1995]

I am happy to see it

[@RDeckardN6]

Who the hell reported the information about the competition ?? It's all wrong !! From 1975 edition the competition was named only "SAFARI RALLY" (and not East African Safari Rally) Starters 71, finishers 13 The top 10 final: NICOLAS - LEFEBVRE PEUGEOT 504 V6 PRESTON JNR - LYALL PORSCHE 911 CARRERA AALTONEN - DREWS DATSUN 160 J WALDEGAARD - THORSZELIUS PORSCHE 911 CARRERA LAMPINEN - LIDDON PEUGEOT 504 V6 ZASADA - KRUPA MERCEDES BENZ 280E HELLIER - SHAH DATSUN VIOLET 710 TC TUNDO - HAWORTH FORD ESCORT RS 1800 SHAH - LISA DATSUN VIOLET 710 TC RUEDIN - ENDER MITSUBISHI COLT LANCER 1600 GSR And Ari Vatanen DID NOT compete in the 1978 Safari Rally !!

[@fidelcatsro6948]

250hp was a big deal back then..

[@Wallyworld30]

On those tiny cars it was fire. Most cars that size had 60hp.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

@@Wallyworld30 true😼👍

[@RDeckardN6]

Porsche wasn't definitely the most powerful car those times. Lancia Stratos could reach 280 bhp. Ford Escort got up to 260 bhp. And even the winning Peugeot 504 V6 had 225 bhp. Although for the Safari Rally they used to be a little "depowered" to get more reliability from the engine.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

@@RDeckardN6 Wow! my 1972 datsun 1200 had 69hp printed on its label inside the engine compartment with its serial number