Porsche's Safari Challenger
Between 1970 and 1972, Porsche built a limited number of sport-purpose 911s that are now commonly referred to as STs – referring to a 911 S in the lightweight trim of a T. Following the tradition established by the 911 R, these 911 STs were purpose-built competition machines developed at the pinnacle of Porsche’s endurance racing program and equipped with state-of-the-art components. Constructed in Porsche’s Werk I race workshop, STs were campaigned by privateers and the factory team in a wide range of events – from endurance races to punishing, off-road rallies.
The 911 ST featured here is one of five rally cars that Porsche constructed for their works racing team’s assault on the 1971 East African Safari Rally. A 4,000-mile, multi-stage competition that traversed Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the 1971 running of the Safari Rally attracted factory entries from Nissan, Ford, Lancia, and Saab. Porsche also committed to a full factory effort, sending five ST rally cars, eight service vehicles, and a reconnaissance plane to Kenya in spring 1971. The five-car Porsche team consisted of three race cars and two practice cars: one green, one white. This is the white practice car.
Designed to handle any terrain, the STRs were raised to give 10″ of ground clearance and outfitted with a roll bar, CB radio, skid plates, dual spares, auxiliary lighting, timing equipment, and any accessories deemed necessary. As Porsche’s factory effort was sponsored by Sears, all five cars were fitted with the brand’s distinctive white-stripe tires.
Gooding & Company will be offering this 1971 Porsche 911 ST Rally at their upcoming Geared Online auction held between the 3rd-7th August. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos © Mike Maez