Chassis No. WP0AB2A97RS225489

Cynical marketing exercise or more than worthy scion to Porsche's illustrious off-road heritage? A question posed by many when the new 911 Dakar debuted as the third in a series of four 911 based Heritage Design Edition models that also included the 992-generation Targa 4S Heritage Design Edition, Sport Classic, and S/T. Once tested on-road and off by the press and fortunate new owners alike, the new 911 Dakar easily surpassed all expectations as a unique fusion of classic Porsche heritage offering more than a taste of off-road adventure.

Throughout the 1960s and mid-1970s Porsche excelled at rallying, most triumphantly at the Rallye Monte Carlo in 1968, 1969, and 1970 with a close second place at the 1974 East African Safari Rally. After the mid-1970s, Porsche's racing department, highly focused on endurance racing and Can-Am, did not have the capacity to properly support rallying at the highest level, no matter how successful they had been. In fact, Porsche factory driver and Monte Carlo rally winner Vic Elford was often quoted saying that Porsche would have won every major rally in the 1970s if they had remained committed to the sport. Elford's disappointment was likely assuaged by the 911 SC/RS and 959 supercar rally programs leading Porsche into a new era of Rothmans-sponsored dominance with overall victories at the 1985 Pharaoh Rally, and yes, the 1986 Paris–Dakar Rally.

The 992-generation 911 Dakar is inspired by those legendary cars and events, yet it also speaks to those present-day Porsche aficionados who realize a 911, no matter how special and limited, is best enjoyed as its designers and engineers intended. The Dakar represents an unexpected modern twist on the 911 formula, a slightly irrational car providing unbridled joy for those who may use it as they once might have raced a 1/12 scale Tamiya 959 across a dusty backyard.

Dakar production was limited to 2,500 examples worldwide with significantly fewer made available to U.S.-based Porsche customers, many of whom continue to be 918 Spyder Circle members. Ordered via Porsche Beechwood in GT Silver Metallic, this Dakar features the $4,560 "Rallye 1974" Decal Set option that clothes the Dakar in a retro livery inspired by the factory-supported Kühne+Nagel sponsored Carrera RS that finished 2nd in the 1974 East African Safari Rally. One of three historic liveries available from the factory via Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, the livery suits the 992's body lines exceptionally well. Further notable factory fitted options include the deviated stitching interior package, exterior mirrors in carbon fiber and high gloss black, exterior package painted in high gloss black, and window trims in high gloss black / triangle trims in carbon fiber. Furthermore, this Dakar is enhanced with numerous Dakar Tequipment accessories. An invoice details the $12,500 in extras that include a roof basket, active travel bag, two water canisters with brackets, two MaxTrax recovery boards with fastening pins, and a bracketed folding spade.

Offered with 76 miles at the time of cataloging, with its factory protective seat, carpeting, electronic and plaque covers and films in place, this "showroom fresh" example comes complete with both key sets, an unopened manual set, emergency accessories, its original window sticker, purchase paperwork, and factory correspondence. As one of the last, special 992-generation 911s produced, the Dakar is a well-deserved sendoff showcasing the best of what Porsche can offer in an engaging and unexpected off-road driving experience.