In the illustrious pantheon of automotive legends, few names resonate with the visceral thrill and timeless allure quite like Porsche. And within that hallowed lineage, the 911 has always been the jewel in the crown, a rear-engined icon that has graced everything from pristine concours lawns to the most brutal rally stages. While many dream of a factory-fresh, tarmac-hugging specimen, there’s a growing reverence for those brave souls who dare to take a classic 911 and turn it into something gloriously, unapologetically wild. Step forward, then, this phenomenal Safari-Style Euro 1978 Porsche 911SC Coupe 5-Speed, a machine that perfectly embodies this adventurous spirit, and which, last we heard, was being offered on dealer consignment for a sum north of $35,000. For any self-respecting Coolector, this isn’t just a car; it’s a statement, an off-road beast draped in Stuttgart’s finest.
Originally a German-market example finished in a rather sensible Guards Red, this 911SC underwent a radical transformation between 2018 and 2019 under prior ownership, catapulting it from classic coupe to rally-raid contender. The most striking modification, naturally, is the lifted suspension, giving it that purposeful, ready-for-anything stance that just screams “adventure.” But it’s not merely a lift kit and some knobby tires; this build is a masterclass in thoughtful, robust engineering.
Aluminium skid plates line the underside, acting as an impenetrable shield against whatever rocky terrain you dare to tackle, while custom front and rear bumper guards add both protection and an undeniable aesthetic punch. Auxiliary lights, strategically placed, promise to cut through the darkest of nights, ensuring your off-road escapades are never cut short by a lack of illumination.
Inside, the transformation continues with a clear focus on performance and safety. Gone are the sedate factory seats, replaced by supportive Recaro SR3 units upholstered in black leatherette with a striking patterned-weave red cloth. The rear seats, deemed surplus to requirements for true rallying prowess, have made way for a welded-in multi-point roll bar, to which PRP four-point harnesses are securely fastened.
This is a machine built for exhilarating moments, where being firmly strapped in is less of an option and more of a necessity. Despite its rugged ambitions, modern comforts haven’t been entirely neglected; a Griffiths air-conditioning system was thoughtfully installed in 2021, ensuring you don’t melt during your desert crossings, and a Blaupunkt Bremen digital-media receiver provides the soundtrack to your off-road heroics.
Under the iconic whale-tail rear spoiler (which received a new seal in preparation for the latest sale, naturally), resides a potent 3.0-liter flat-six engine. This isn’t just any flat-six, mind you; it’s been beefed up with 964-grind cams, delivering a more aggressive power delivery that’s perfectly suited to tearing up trails. The 915 transaxle has been similarly upgraded with shorter 2nd-4th gears from Guard Transmission and a Wavetrac limited-slip differential, ensuring that every ounce of power finds its way to the Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires wrapped around the refinished 16-inch Fuchs wheels. This isn’t just about going fast on the tarmac; it’s about conquering loose surfaces with aplomb.
The suspension received further refinement in August 2023 with the installation of Elephant Racing Von Shocks Level 2 coilovers, complemented by adjustable Tarett Engineering sway bars and a Rennline front strut-tower brace for unwavering stability, even when the going gets truly rough.
This particular 911SC has enjoyed a rather illustrious life since its Safari transformation, being showcased by the renowned StanceWorks and even driven on Hooniverse back in 2018. It scooped “Best Car” at the 2018 Momo Road to Rennsport Reunion VI rally – an impressive feat for a car built to tackle the wild, not just the show circuit.
With a clean Colorado title, a Porsche Production Specifications certificate, and a trove of service records and refurbishment photos, this isn’t just an incredible machine; it’s a meticulously documented slice of automotive rebellion. For those who believe that a Porsche’s true calling lies beyond the confines of perfectly paved roads, this Safari-Style 911SC isn’t merely desirable; it’s an essential addition to any discerning gentleman’s garage.
