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Porsche 959 – The Supercar That Conquered the Dakar

  • Writer: Sven Syfrig
    Sven Syfrig
  • Aug 6
  • 2 min read

When Porsche hit the sand

1986, the Paris-Dakar is already infamous – a brutal mix of sandstorms, broken dreams, and legendary victories. And then came something wild: the Porsche 959.


A supercar, built for the Autobahn, lined up to battle the Sahara. It sounded crazy – but what followed was one of the greatest chapters in rally history.


Paris-Dakar 1986: Jacky Ickx
Photocredit @ rangedesvoitures.com

Built for Group B, reborn in the desert

Originally developed to dominate Group B rallying, the Porsche 959 Dakar needed a new stage when that category was canceled.Enter: the Dakar Rally.


Three factory cars were built. Pilots? Motorsport royalty: Jacky Ickx, René Metge, Roland Kussmaul. Sponsor? The iconic Rothmans Porsche team.


The result? Victory in 1986 – and an automotive legend that still turns heads.


Why the Porsche 959 Dakar was ahead of its time


  • Engine: 2.8L twin-turbo flat-6 (~400 hp)

  • Drivetrain: Advanced AWD with torque vectoring

  • Suspension: Adjustable ride height for sand & rock

  • Body: Kevlar and aluminum construction


It wasn’t just fast – it was smart. Many of the 959’s innovations shaped future Porsche models, especially the 911 Turbo lineup.


Our take from the Dakar Classic world


Pros:

  • Insane performance – even in dunes

  • High-tech AWD

  • Legendary design and rally prestige


Cons:

  • Complex engineering

  • Extremely expensive to build or maintain

  • Not ideal for newcomers or low-budget teams


Final thoughts: The rarest rally icon of them all

The Porsche 959 Dakar didn’t just race – it changed the game. In the Dakar Classic, it remains a unicorn. But for those who chase dreams, not trends – it’s the ultimate build.


👉 Want to build a Porsche Dakar project? Let’s talk – we’ll guide your path.

 
 
 

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