German automotive manufacturing firm redesigned one of the legendary off-road sports cars following its experience in Kenya.
Porsche 911 Vision Safari was redesigned with a contemporary integration in 2012, improving its off-road capabilities and further increasing its acceleration.
Its suspensions were reinforced in the integration project, and its wheel housing was reinforced, making it manoeuvre the hard terrains.
The sporty car was also fitted with massive bumpers, a spartan rally cockpit and flexible race seats.
Due to the harsh weather experienced by the drivers, Porsche Safari mounted a special shelf behind the seats to help the moderate air circulation in the car.
Porsche Safari's new design combined both sports car and off-road characteristics, making it stand out for decades and win major competitions.
Kenya's Experience
German manufacturing company decided to redesign the sporty car following the 1978 East African rally competition.
The drivers struggled to drive through the rough terrain, sandy and water-logged roads in a journey covering almost 5,000 kilometres across the Kenyan wilderness.
Although the drivers did not win the race, the performance impressed Porsche Chief Designer Michael Mauer.
"They proved that the air-cooled 911 is almost as unstoppable in the desert as it is on a motorway or a race track.
The images of these Porsche 911 Safari cars covered in the red dust of the African savannah, splashing through water holes and mud pools, will never be forgotten," Mauer stated.
The Chief Designer wanted to demonstrate that despite the Kenyan experience, rally drivers using Porsche Safari 911 could go anywhere and do anything.
After its modification due to the Kenyan experience, Porsche won a major competition in Dakar and Chile.
Modifications also increased its market value to hit over Ksh16 million, with only a few sports enthusiasts affording the car.
