Porsche 911 'Safari' | PH Private Area
Sure, a Dakar is cool, but it ain't no bespoke Safari build...
With the 992.2 refresh of the Porsche 911 range in full swing, it’s hard not to think about the possibility of another Dakar. It must have been a good earner for Porsche, given it carried over the GTS powertrain at tens of thousands more, and demonstrated that the 911 could still have a fun side in the 2020s. Moreover, it could still be used as normal (you were always in for a lot of road noise in a 992, so a bit more didn’t matter), yet it offered up more entertainment both on- and off-road. It can’t be a coincidence that since the Dakar more off-road supercar projects have emerged; they’re a novel twist on a familiar formula.
Of course, historically speaking, the 911 has been going off-road for decades - which brings us to this particular one: a Safari build, completed by Heritage Autowerks and now for sale in the classifieds. A small niche of the 911 world for yonks, the Dakar has done a good job of reigniting interest in the all-terrain Porsche; by now we’ve seen all the hot rod backdates - now it’s time for the rufty-tufty restomods.
It’s believed that a build similar to this one, completed in 2023, would cost in the region of £200,000. Yep, really. But then you only need two minutes looking at the pics or reading the ad to understand the huge amount of work that’s gone into it. This is a lot more than just some spotlights and chunky tyres. Beginning from a low mileage G50 3.2, the 911 was stripped back to the shell so that modifications like the crash bars could be incorporated and the arches adjusted to fit the off-road rubber in. A ton of stuff is unique, like the tow hooks, decals and roof storage box, and all sorts of expensive hardware is included in the build. Safe to say, even in a world full of restored and modified 911s, you won’t see another one like this.
Furthermore, while having a freshly rebuilt engine, a protected underbody and a wealth of history are obviously great, it really is hard to tear yourself away from just how good this Safari looks. While we’d like to pretend buying a Porsche 911 of any kind is just about the driving, we all know that the look - as the Dakar proved, in fact - is a big part of the appeal as well. And this one is pitch perfect, from the Martini-esque graphics to the Singer-style ‘Safari’ badge. The current owner calls it a ‘show stopper’, adding ‘everywhere I have taken it, the car has been welcomed with such positive interactions’ - we can well believe it.
The interior is just as smart, complete with the restomod 911 must-haves - Momo Prototipo, 917-style gearknob, a discreet DAB unit - plus some extremely fetching tartan upholstery. Note the rear seats have gone, too, to make way for a half cage. There’s additional bracing under the bonnet as well. The Safari ought to be just as good to drive as it is to look at.
It says something of the slightly mad world of old Porsche 911s that £134,995 is a long way from the most that can be paid for one. It’s a long way from the least that can be paid, too, but anyone who’s attempted to even slightly upgrade their classic will know just how much time and money it can very quickly absorb. The appeal of having one completed to such a high standard and ready to roll shouldn’t be underestimated. It really does seem to want for nothing apart from driving - see you on the sand.
Perfect for the current state of the roads in the UK.
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