Dakar Children's Car

To be offered on Thursday, 15 August 2024

The gruelling Paris-Dakar Rally had primarily been won by true off-road machines until 1984. That is when René Metge and co-driver Dominique Lemoyne claimed a remarkable victory aboard a modified sports car: the 911 Carrera 3.2 4x4, otherwise known as the 953.

Presented here, on the 40th anniversary of that success, is the Dakar Junior. From UK-based Halfscale Cars, it takes over 100 hours to complete each example. Finished in the famed two-tone “Rothmans” livery, this car, chassis 911.03, includes working headlights, 12-inch wheels, off-road tires, and mud flaps complete the exterior. Meanwhile, the interior houses two Connolly leather and houndstooth fabric miniature bucket seats fitted with lap belts. A 400-cubic-centimeter engine producing 15 horsepower means the car can achieve up to 50 mph. Independent wishbone suspension, coilover shock absorbers, and five inches of ground clearance enable it to take on tougher terrain, while Brembo hydraulic brakes bring it to a halt. Also featuring a removable Moto-Lita leather steering wheel, the Dakar Junior makes for an incredible off-road toy.