Notably absent were the Monte Carlo and Swedish rallies, though these would return the next year and remain part of the series to this day.
However, other rallies such as those in Poland and Austria would never return to the WRC calendar.
Fiat's Abarth 124 gained an early lead with a win at Monte Carlo, but fell to a strong performance by Lancia's Stratos HF which won three rallies, placing second again.
From 1973 to 1978, the WRC only awarded a season championship for the winning manufacturer.
Morocco, Poland and Austria where dropped, while Monte-Carlo, Sweden and Acropolis were planned but finally canceled.