Porsche now offers 1970s rally wraps for 911 Dakar

The Porsche 911 has an illustrious history in motorsport, most notably on the rally stages of Africa. To relive those glory days, the German carmaker is now offering three 1970s-inspired wraps for the new 911 Dakar. 

When the limited edition model was revealed late last year, customers were given the option to specify their car in a Rothmans-inspired paint scheme that resembled the 1984 Paris-Dakar winning 911.

But Porsche had started rally racing well before then, making a name for itself in the East African Safari Rally throughout the 1970s.

To honour that heritage, the German carmaker is now offering three exclusive wraps for the 911 Dakar which bring past rally liveries from 1971, 1974, and 1978 to the modern day.

The first design reprises the look of the Polish works team’s 911 which is identifiable by its black door roundels, as well as decals on the bonnet, front wings, and doors.

Polish drivers Sobiesław Zasada and Marian Bień drove the original car to fifth place in 1971 under competition number 19 which the recreated wrap wears.

Next up is a livery inspired by Björn Waldegård’s entry into the 1974 East African Safari Rally. Himself and co-driver Hans Thorszelius had to drive three sections of 1450km to 2019km over five days. The pair held out to finish second.

Porsche 911 Dakar owners can spec their car with Waldegård’s livery which consists of blue stripes that trace the shoulder lines of the car.

The final wrap is by far the most striking of the bunch as it replicates the 1978 Martini Racing Team livery. Its distinct wavy red and blue striping was arguably one of the most iconic liveries of its time.

Those wanting to wrap their 911 Dakar in the Rallye 1971 and Rallye 1974 decal sets will have to fork out €4165 ($NZ7019) while the Rallye 1978 set costs €5950 ($NZ10,029).