Rough Roads to 911 Dakar

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AFRICAN COLOURS

All of the tests have been completed, and all of the battles fought. It’s high time to take the Porsche 911 Dakar and its historical role model for a drive.

Sun, sand and vast expanses – South Africa is the perfect backdrop for two extraordinary off-road sports cars. One of them is vintage and raw, developed for the world’s most demanding tracks, a rally legend and winning vehicle. The other is a production car – smoother, larger, more appealing and yet competent even in extreme conditions.

They both come from the same stall, if also from different times. 1984 meets 2022; the 953 gets acquainted with the 992; mechanics marvel at electronics; and the design unites. Porsche refers to its combination of two-tone paint (white and Gentian Blue Metallic) and decorative wrapping as the Rallye Design Package, which existed in 1984 – but only for three cars. Now it’s available at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur in series production for the 911 Dakar. It’s likely that a great many 911 Dakar models will ultimately feature the Rallye Design Package, as it creates a coherent overall package with this 911. The percentage

of white was higher in 1984, but the impression remains in 2022: it’s the pinnacle of Dakar.

A small concession to modern times: ‘Rothmans’ no longer appears on the doors, as cigarette advertising is now taboo. So now you’ll see ‘Rough roads’ on the new car, which has a similar sound to back then and still gets to the heart of the matter. Just as they were in the past, the wheels are painted white – rather than the usual black or grey – for a smart look. The interior of the car with the Rallye Design Package features lots of accents in its contrast colour, Shark Blue, whilst the standard 911 Dakar features a slightly more understated interior with subtle Shade Green. The start numbers on the doors are a nice touch, with any number between ‘0’ and ‘999’ available for order. The same number can be issued more than once, so there’s no need for fans to fight over ‘911’, ‘953’ or ‘176’ (the winning car from 1984).

Collectors will pounce on this Porsche. But whether many of them will actually drive it, that’s another question. And what about off-road? They should simply take it for a spin in South Africa – and be sure to bring a photographer along.

SPRINGBOK

Premiere get-together

Appealing images capturing the combination of tradition and future are taken in South Africa, where there’s sand, space and good lighting in spades. And the 911 Dakar is not alone for long.

Role model

Featuring start number 176, the winning car from 1984 joins the ranks. The Porsche 953 no longer has a roof rack like it did back then.

Gear

Instead, the 911 Dakar carries what needs to be carried: two canisters, one bag and three traction tracks.