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.

1978 PORSCHE 911 EAST AFRICA SAFARI RALLY CAR - MARTINI LIVERY

In 1978, Porsche decided to further expand its motorsports pedigree by entering two 911 SCs in the East Africa Safari Classic Rally. This grueling race is 94 hours and 3,000 miles long, and it takes on some of the most challenging terrains in the world. Entering two 911 SC rally cars (number 5 and number 14), Porsche took on the challenge, hoping to prove the brand’s motorsport history as a rally competitor. Overcoming the challenges of the course while suffering from breakdowns, the two 911 SCs placed in second and fourth place, cementing Porsche in rallying history.

This 1978 Porsche 911 is a replica of the famous number 5 car, which is housed in the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Built to the same specifications as the infamous rally car, this 911 is ready to take on any challenge. Finished in a beautiful Martini livery like the one featured on the original car, this 911 SC pays homage to the legendary 1978 rally icon. Come see it before it’s too late in our exhilarating exhibit, Street | Rally | Race, ending April 2024.