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, Type 954, and 959 supercar rally programs leading Porsche into a new era of Rothmans-sponsored dominance with overall victories at the 1984 and 1986 Paris–Dakar Rallies.

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 Rothmans 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 North Houston in White / Gentian Blue Metallic, this Dakar features the $28,470 “Rallye Design Package” option that clothes the Dakar in the retro-inspired livery worn by the factory-entered 1984 Type 954 and 1986 959 rally cars that emerged victorious in the Paris-Dakar in the mid-1980s. One of three historic liveries available from the factory via Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, the “Roughroads” livery suits the 992's flowing body lines exceptionally well. Further notable factory-fitted options include Exclusive Design tailpipes in Silver, side mirror bases in exterior color, tachometer face in White, Burmester High-End Surround Sound System, Titanium wheel bolts, and Sport Chrono stopwatch dial in White. Additionally, this Dakar features the $3,740 Extended Rallye Design Package that includes a number of interior components in Race-Tex with Shark Blue deviated stitching, air vent slats in leather, and an owner's manual wallet in Race-Tex with deviated stitching in Shark Blue and embossed Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur logo. Furthermore, this Dakar is enhanced with numerous Dakar Tequipment accessories including a mounted roof basket, active travel bag, two water canisters with brackets, and two MaxTrax recovery boards.

Offered with 141 miles at the time of cataloging, this "showroom fresh” example comes complete with its manual set, emergency accessories, and its original window sticker. 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.