Historic rally-derived decorative wraps available for the Porsche 911 Dakar

For the recently presented 911 Dakar there will be – in addition to the 1984 Dakar winner design – three other rally designs. The three exclusive Porsche 911 Dakar decorative wraps are reminiscent of three rally entries from the 1970s. Two of the three designs can also be retrofitted via Porsche Tequipment.

Porsche 911 Dakar decorative wrap “Rally 1971” design – memory of a Polish team

The East African Safari Rally 1971 led over 5,000 kilometers through impressive scenery. The participants traversed savannahs, semi-deserts and the Kenyan highlands. At the time, the safari was considered one of the toughest rallies in the world. In 1971, Porsche took on the challenge for the first time with a works entry. A modified Porsche 911 S with plain black accents on the front hood, front fenders, and doors was used.

Porsche took up this design for the 911 Dakar’s “Rally 1971” decorative wrap. The starting number 19 also recalls the 911’s successful participation in the 1971 Safari edition. Polish drivers Sobieslaw Zasada and Marian Bien finished fifth overall. Porsche is asking €4,165 for the 911 Dakar Design “Rally 1971”.

Porsche 911 Dakar decorative wrap Björn Waldegaard design – “Rally 1974”

The 1974 edition of the East African Safari went down in history for its incredibly long stages. 1,450 to 2,019 kilometers each had to be completed over five days. Only 16 of the 99 entered vehicles crossed the finish line. No less a figure than Björn Waldegaard, rally champion and double winner of the Rally Monte Carlo on Porsche, once again took to the starting line in the 911. After leading for an interim period with a 36-minute advantage, a wishbone failure on the Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 cost Waldegaard the victory. With a gap of 72 minutes, he finished a respectable second.

“Characteristic of the decals of the main sponsor were the blue stripes that traced the shoulder lines of the otherwise white car”

Porsche on Porsche 911 Dakar decorative wrap “Rally 1974”

According to Porsche, the 911 Dakar’s decorative wrap “Rally 1974” is closely based on the original. “Characteristic of the decals of the main sponsor (Kühne + Nagel) were the blue stripes that traced the shoulder lines of the otherwise white car”, Porsche’s press release states in this regard. However, the accents of the new decorative foiling have become somewhat narrower. In addition, the classic Porsche lettering has been added to the bottom of the doors. The price is similar to that of the Porsche 911 Dakar “Rally 1971” design – 4,165 euros.

The Porsche 911 Dakar decorative wrap “Rally 1978” also goes back to Waldegaard

Of course, the legendary Martini design must not be missing from this line. In 1978, Waldegaard competed in the Safari in a specially built Porsche 911 SC Group 4. It wore, of course, the Martini design. Although Waldegaard was again dogged by bad luck, the design is unforgotten. Defects to the wishbone, shock absorber and drive shaft prevented a podium finish at the time. More than fourth place was out of the question for Waldegaard. But the South African Porsche duo of Vic Preston Jr. and John Lyall took second place overall – also in the Martini colors.

The careful reinterpretation of the Martini design, which has been world-famous since 1958, also has a starting number on the door. This time the 14 with which Vic Preston Jr. drove onto the podium of the 78 Safari. The Porsche 911 Dakar devcorative wrap “Rally 1978” is the most expensive of the trio at 5,950 euros. All decor sets can be ordered from the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur when placing new orders. However, the “Rally 1978” decor set is not available for retrofitting from Porsche Tequipment.

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