EXHIBIT SPOTLIGHT - 1978 PORSCHE 911 SAFARI MEET THE SOURCE OF THE MODERN SAFARI CRAZE CLIFF ATIYEH | PHOTO: ETHAN PELLEGRINO
In recent years, there has been a push among automotive enthusiasts towards converting fun and lightweight sports cars into “safari” builds. From Safari 911s to Miatas, many of which have been featured during the museum’s lawn events, the safari trend seems to be unstoppable. The push for safari builds has finally hit the source itself, the automotive manufacturers. By now, most have heard about the new Porsche 911 Dakar or the Lamborghini Hurican Sterrato. These cars have earned themselves extensive media coverage and praise for straying away from the status quo of typical sports cars, but what if I were to tell you that this “safari” concept was started decades ago by one of the modern contenders? THE PORSCHE 911, BUILT TO RACE The Porsche 911 was unveiled as a performance-oriented, 2+2 sports car in 1964. The concept of the 911 was simple: a rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car that was practical for everyday use and performance driving. With the 911, you could bring the car to the mall, then hit up a race track on your way home if you happen to pass one. With this basic concept unchanged, the Porsche 911 has been raced extensively in its nearly 60-year lifespan. Featured in historic races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the famous Monte Carlo Rally, the 911 has proven itself as a motorsports icon.
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