Highlights

Unique, rally-inspired homage to Paris-Dakar-winning Porsche 959
Comprehensively rebuilt mechanically since 2020
Upgraded with exterior fittings and fully retrimmed burgundy leather interior
Long list of recent maintenance by current keeper
Current Belgian technical certification valid until September 2028
Large history file documenting renovation work

The Appeal

Porsche’s engineers never do things by halves. To promote its new AWD system and twin-turbo technology, in 1986 it entered a 959 in the most extreme endurance test. A lightweight supercar wasn’t an obvious choice, yet it is a testament to the durability and engineering that enabled the car to achieve a resounding win.

To celebrate and perhaps fill a few empty days during COVID, a previous keeper of this 944, which was built in that race-winnng year, decided to create a remarkable homage. As you can see in a photos, from the classic Rothmans livery to the detailed specification, this is far more than a quick makeover.

Originally a California car, this 944 has been comprehensively rebuilt and modified to create a capable all-terrain machine. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre inline-four drives through a five-speed short-shifter manual gearbox, while the suspension has been replaced with fully adjustable rally coil-overs providing 11 inches of ground clearance. A functional 2,500 lb winch is integrated into the front bumper, and four Hella 4000 rally spotlights sit on a handmade light bar. Inside, the dashboard has been retrimmed in burgundy Italian Alcantara, with Braum Racing Elite X seats, red Sabelt harnesses, and a Momo Prototipo steering wheel completing the cabin.

The car is supported by a folder of service history and invoices documenting extensive mechanical work carried out by Precision Motorsports of Hermosa Beach, California, from 2020 onwards. It holds a valid Belgian technical inspection until September 2028 and is ready to be enjoyed as a versatile on- or off-road machine or eye-catching show car.

The vendor says:

“Porsche 944 Dakar: A unique, rally-inspired reinterpretation of the iconic Porsche 944, built to combine classic transaxle Porsche engineering with genuine all-terrain capability. Featuring increased ground clearance, rugged suspension, off-road wheels and tires, a winch, and distinctive Safari styling, this build is equally at home on gravel roads, mountain trails, or at enthusiast events. It retains the balanced handling and character of the original 944 while adding a bold, adventurous personality inspired by classic rally and overland Porsche.”

Key Information

Mileage: 161,000 miles (indicated as correct by seller)
Country of registration: Belgium
Technical inspection status: Technical inspection valid until 15th September 2028
Technical specs: 2,479cc inline-four petrol, five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Paperwork: Owner's book pack, service history folder with invoices from 2020 onwards, original Porsche toolkit, two sets of keys
Registration: DAKAR 1 plate shown in photos is not included

The Detail

White car developed into detailed Rothmans livery with extensive extra exterior features
Paintwork and bodywork present well in photos with few signs of use
Vendor reports two minor indentations and some patina on the bonnet from long-term outdoor exposure
Some delamination noted on the base of the front windscreen and top of the rear hatch
Retrimmed burgundy leather interior wit suede-lined dashboard and Sabelt harnesses
Extensive mechanical rebuild from July 2020 by Precision Motorsports, Hermosa Beach, California
Timing belt, balance shaft belt, alternator belt, power steering belt, water pump and thermostat replaced in July 2020
Fuel tank drained and cleaned, fuel lines and injectors cleaned, fuel pump and filter replaced in July 2020
Brake master cylinder, power steering rack, tie rods, radiator, and brake discs and pads replaced in September 2020 at 157,820 miles
Corner balancing and wheel alignment performed in October 2021
AOS o-rings, intake manifold gaskets, oil cooler seals, fluids and spark plugs changed in June 2022
All OEM suspension replaced with adjustable rally coil-overs with custom spherical bearing mounts
Front control arms and rear trailing arms refurbished with Elephant Racing blocks and bushings
Wheel bearings replaced front and rear; all suspension bushings and mounts renewed
Flexible brake lines replaced and braking system flushed
The vendor states the retrimmed cabin presents well, with a few signs of wear on some original switchgear
Cruise control is currently non-operational
Left indicator occasionally sticks after a turn
A very minor oil leak is reported
California Salvage title due to a 14-year period of non-registration; no previously recorded body damage

Specification summary:

BFGoodrich K02 Baja Champion tyres (5 including spare wheel)
Custom, basket roof rack
Customised rally-specification, adjustable suspension with 11-inches of ground clearance
1986 Paris Dakar Rothmans-liveried bodywork wrapped in vinyl
Handmade lightbar with four 9-inch Hella 4000 rally spotlights
Functional 2,500lb winch in front bumper
Dashboard trimmed in burgundy Italian Alcantara
Momo Prototipo steering wheel in black leather
Braum Racing Elite X seats with slide and recline function and red Sabelt harnesses
Blaupunkt CD player with Bluetooth compatibility and high-end speakers.
Custom MSDS headers with chrome side-exit exhaust
Yellow zinc-plated hardware
Porsche 924GTR style rear hatch tie-downs

Recent maintenance:

New flexible brake lines
Brake fluid flushed and refilled
Oil change
New engine bay fuel lines
New radiator hose
Coolant flushed and refilled
Resealed power steering pump
New O-ring for power steering reservoir
Refurbished front control arms and rear trailing arms
Installed serviceable ball joints on front control arms.
Installed Elephant Racing blocks and bushings.
Replaced wheel bearings front and rear.
Replaced all OEM suspension with adjustable, rally coil-overs
Installed custom spherical bearing mounts on rear coil-overs
Replaced all suspension/wheel bushings, bearings and mounts
Refurbished front and rear brake shields
Replaced OE headers and exhaust system with custom

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