When you think about it, a sports car that has been given the “safari” treatment is really the best of both worlds. On the one hand you have a car designed for speed with killer driving dynamics, braking and performance, while on the other hand you have an off-road machine ready to tackle demanding conditions, equipped with heavy-duty components and providing sure-footed grip on loose surfaces. In other words, a safari car is ready to conquer a jungle or soar above a sand dune with both agility and staggering speed.
We understand ‒ it may seem like a huge contradiction to take a low-slung tarmac-shredding vehicle with its ultra-low center of gravity, jack it up sky-high for some ground clearance and then slap on a big set of all-terrain tires. However, both Porsche and Lamborghini have embraced this concept with the 911 Dakar and Huracán Sterrato, respectively. Each of these automakers are responding to the emerging trend of custom “safari” builds that enthusiasts have been doing for themselves in recent years. Go ahead, google “Miata lift kit.”
It’s easy to see where the appeal comes from: consider rally racing. One of the oldest forms of motorsport around, rally racing – with its blend of speed, endurance and off-road prowess – has undeniably left a lasting mark on the automotive world. The demanding terrains and grueling conditions of rally competitions have served as a crucible for innovation, pushing manufacturers to develop vehicles that excel not only on smooth tarmac but also on rugged, unpaved surfaces.
There is a long history of sports cars winning some of the most intense off-road rallies. For example, in 1971 Nissan won first and second place in the East African Safari Rally with its Datsun 240Z. In 1984, Porsche won the Paris-Dakar Rally, with French rally veterans René Metge and co-driver Dominique Lemoyne piloting a 953 to victory. It was the first time a sports car had won the 11,000-kilometer Paris-Dakar race, and the legacy inspired the name plate for the modern edition of the 911. Apart from the name, the Porsche 911 Dakar also received heavy-duty suspension components and other modifications inspired by the rally car.
Over the years, Barrett-Jackson has seen its fair share of safari cars and rally stars as well. Among the most notable was Ken Block’s 2016 Ford Focus RS RX, which sold for $200,000 to benefit Team Rubicon. The car is most recognizable for its role in the “Gymkhana NINE: Raw Industrial Playground” video and its time as an FIA World Rallycross car with Block behind the wheel.
During the 2023 Palm Beach Auction, a 1990 Lancia Group B Rally Race Car grabbed bidder attention with its $110,000 sale, highlighting the desirability of a high-speed vehicle that can be driven on- and off-road. At the 2018 Scottsdale Auction, a 1984 Peugeot 205 T16 Rally Prototype sold for $146,300. Other interesting rally cars that have made their way across the Barrett-Jackson block include a 1964 Austin Mini Cooper S and a 1964 Renault Dauphine.
In the realm where asphalt meets adventure, the fusion of sports cars and off-road prowess brings together innovation and heritage. From the legendary victories of Nissan and Porsche in the unforgiving terrain of rally races to the modern marvels like the Porsche 911 Dakar and Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato, the evolution of the safari concept mirrors the enduring spirit not only of exploration, but also performance. As witnessed under the spotlight on the Barrett-Jackson stage, rally legends and safari icons illustrate that the allure of speed knows no boundaries.
Over the years, Barrett-Jackson has seen its fair share of safari cars and rally stars as well.