Porsche 911 Modified

Das Fahrzeug im Detail

Porsche has been successfully off-roading 911s for decades, competing in iconic rallies like the Dakar. But in the modern world, most are kept firmly on the tarmac.

There is a select group challenging the status quo. A growing movement to “Safari everything”, pioneered by enthusiastic specialists like Heritage Autowerks and The Keen Project, has opened enthusiasts‘ eyes to how great an off-road 911 could be. To “Safari” your 911 has become such a popular choice that Porsche itself, launched the 911 Dakar.

This example started life as a particularly nice, warranted 77,000-mile, numbers-matching 1987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 – finished in Metallic Silver, it retained all its original panels and was free from any rust. It was then purchased by Heritage Autowerks, who set about building a no-expense-spared, Safari 911.

The car remains in its original shade of Metallic Silver but features a host of custom fabrication by Riviera Autobody. Gone are the standard impact bumpers, replaced with tubular crash bars that sit tight to the bodyline to avoid extending the car’s overall size.

Carefully and sympathetically modified wheel arches make way for the BF Goodrich KO2 tyres, which are mounted on a set of genuine Fuchs alloys. The centres are finished in Blue, which matches the Martini-inspired livery throughout the car.

At the rear, the decklid has a ducktail spoiler, custom-made grille with 3.2 detailing, and a Singer-inspired Safari badge. The Safari look is completed by a fully equipped roof rack and Cibie spots, reminiscent of the first Porsche rally cars.

The aforementioned Safari graphics are unique to this car, custom-made for the project and seek to honour the motorsport Porsches of days gone by, whilst taking inspiration from classic Carrera graphics that adorn so many G-Series 911s.

The modifications don’t stop there; breaking the rules is part of a Safari 911’s DNA. The interior has been completely retrimmed, utilising half leather seats with Porsche crests and Jackie Stewart-inspired tartan centres.

The standard gearknob and steering wheel have been replaced with a stunning 917-style wooden gearknob and a MOMO Prototipo, respectively. A period-correct looking DAB/Bluetooth radio brings the tunes, whilst a colour-coded rear-half roll cage offers some increased protection. The interior is finished off by specially imported CoCo mats and a lightweight carpet set.

Under the decklid, you’ll find the car retains its original numbers-matching 3.2-litre flat six, and G50 gearbox. The G50 is not only more desirable than earlier 915-equipped cars, but also the ideal choice for a Safari build given its robustness.

The engine was rebuilt by specialists Zuffenhaus in January 2025. Alongside the rebuild, an assortment of hoses, clips and pipes were fitted, as well as a new clutch. Although this work is preventative, it does mean the car is now in perfect running order. 

No restoration is complete without addressing the underside – iceblasted and protected, it’s as clean as the paintwork. The suspension utilises suitably valved Bilstein dampers and a custom Safari geometry set up, carefully developed to ensure great driving feel.

One of the most impressive aspects of this car is its history file. Bursting with stacks of invoices and stamps that trace right the way back to its first service back in 1987. Maintained throughout its life by iconic Porsche specialists like Autofarm and Zuffenhaus it only serves to reinforce the standard to which this car is finished. 

Even despite the modifications and restorations, the car retains this history alongside its original handbooks and toolkit, rare items that are so often missing. The full service records include: 

• 02/1987 – 1,416 miles – Roger Clark Ltd
• 05/1987 – 6,913 miles – Roger Clark Ltd
• 09/1984 – 13,234 miles – Roger Clark Ltd
• 02/1988 – 17,434 miles – Roger Clark Ltd
• 06/1989 – 21,630 miles – Roger Clark Ltd
• 02/1990 – 30,436 miles – Roger Clark Ltd
• 11/1990 – 41,174 miles – Roger Clark Ltd
• 03/1993 – 54,414 miles – Rushmoor
• 02/1995 – 58,670 miles – Ronnoco Porsche
• 03/1996 – 59,291 miles – Ronnoco Porsche
• 08/1996 – 60,820 miles – Bulstrode Garage
• 05/2001 – 66,041 miles – Porsche West London
• 03/2012 – 70,829 miles – Tognola Engineering
  • Minor service and fitment of battery isolator 
• 07/2015 – 72,838 miles – Francis Tuthill
  • Annual service, inspection and four brake calipers replaced
• 08/2016 – 75,755 miles – Autofarm
  • Minor service and replacement of CV boots
• 06/2019 – 77,018 miles – Brook Speed
  • Full inspection, minor service and brake fluid flush
• 12/2024 – 78,081 miles – Zuffenhaus
  • Full engine rebuild, clutch kit, wheel bearing adjustment and replacement front to rear fuel pipes. 

Whilst we may not encounter desert dunes, a Safari 911 is an excellent choice for UK roads. After all, our pothole per capita is a particularly competitive number. With its chunky tyres, protective bumpers and well-damped suspension, this Safari might make the ultimate UK-spec 911. 

As with all our vehicles, an entire digital folder is available upon request and contains more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.