And as if it were meant to be, this Porsche 953 was built in our workshop in Enter at exactly the same time that Porsche announced an off-road version of the new 911. Perfect timing! This of course only made the story even better.
Looking for a piece of off-road racing history? That dream can come true with this beautiful replica of the Porsche 953 Dakar. The Porsche 953 is an icon in the world of rallying, known for its incredible off-road performance and impressive looks. Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a car that was part of the legendary Porsche Dakar rally history.
This unique 953 is not just any car; it is a tribute to the fearlessness of the rally world and a celebration of Porsche’s rich heritage in motorsport. The Porsche 953 Dakar left a lasting impression on the history of motorsport and is still regarded as a symbol of courage and innovation. One of the most iconic rally cars ever built.
History:
The Porsche 953 Dakar, also known as the Porsche 911 4×4, is a legendary off-road rally car that Porsche developed specifically for the Paris-Dakar Rally, one of the toughest and most prestigious off-road races in the world. The 953 represented a turning point in the history of rallying and is still regarded as an icon in the world of off-road racing.
One of the most striking features of the Porsche 953 was its advanced all-wheel drive, an innovation for Porsche at the time. This allowed the car to maintain excellent traction on the most challenging off-road terrain. The body of the 953 was reinforced and equipped with extra protection to make the car better able to withstand the extreme conditions of the rally. A roll cage and other safety features were added to protect the driver when driving in rough terrain.
One of the most striking aspects of the Porsche 953 was its iconic Rothmans livery, which consisted of blue, red and white. This striking colour combination gave the car an unmistakable look and made it easily recognisable during the rally.
The 953 made its debut in the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally and immediately took a historic victory. It was the first time a 4×4 car had won the rally, and this achievement established Porsche as a force to be reckoned with in the world of off-road racing.
Our Porsche 953:
We don’t say it often, but we are quite proud of the result!
Fitting a new chassis or lowering a car is something we have done many times. But customizing a completely new 4×4 chassis from the axles to the shock absorbers, and raising the suspension instead of lowering it for more ground clearance, is of course rare in the Porsche world.
From the outside, the car is an exact copy of the original. For example, the holes in the bumpers and the custom-made fiberglass spoiler have the exact dimensions of the original. Of course, the car is equipped with a roll cage, it has a completely custom-made exhaust system and Moton adjustable dampers.
The engine block and gearbox have been overhauled and built to off-road specifications. Lots of torque and enough horsepower!
There was another wish for the inside, and that was ‘comfort’. And that makes this 953 Dakar not only a beast in the roughest conditions, but also a pleasure on the public road. The seats come from a 930 Turbo and are incredibly comfortable. The Dakar is equipped with air conditioning and switches to lock the differentials.
The entire construction has been recorded in an extensive photo report.
