PORSCHE 911 SC « safari »

Cette collection est une adaptation de Porsche Racing collection - Éditeur : Centauria Editore s.r.l.

Stronger, higher

For the 1978 African expedition, Porsche used the 911 SC, modifying its trim and engine. The latter was a 3-litre, 6-cylinder boxer engine that was given a fortifying treatment to boost power from 180 to 250 bhp and torque from 265 to 300 Nm.

The 911 SC 'Safari' was equipped with an oil-spray-cooled gearbox derived from that of the 3-litre Carrera, with shorter ratios. With the fifth gear, the rev counter could be revved up to the maximum, to reach top speeds of around 230 km/h on the fastest dirt roads in the savannahs and highlands of Kenya. The clutch was also strengthened and the percentage of differential lock was increased to 80%. The appearance of the 911 SC 'Safari' was also modified. The equipment included a solid front bumper, or bull bar.

The front bonnet featured three additional headlights and two large horns to warn off animals and residents of the car's approach. Another distinctive feature of the 'Safari' was its higher ride height compared to the production model, thanks to new suspension components that increased ground clearance to 28 cm by incorporating gas dampers that were more effective at high temperatures.

Needless to say, the suspension was reinforced, not only to absorb landings after jumps, but also to withstand impacts from stones, a function also provided by a steel plate that protected the bottom of the hull. The braking system, on the other hand, was that of the standard 911 SC. The 'Safari' equipment was completed by a 110-litre fuel tank and a 20-litre tank for the engine's dry-sump lubrication system.

Finally, the hull was made lighter by the removal of all superfluous accessories, and was reinforced by an inner roll cage. In addition, the engine compartment was almost completely enclosed to reduce dust intrusion and to facilitate rapid servicing.

The Safari's cabin replicates the complexity of other 911 rally cars. The only difference is the duct to the left of the driver's seat, blowing filtered but still very hot air. © IXO Collections SAS - Tous droits réservés.

On the right, a close-up of the 180 bhp, 3-litre flat-six engine from the 1978 production SC used in the 911 SC 'Safari' after receiving a substantial boost. © IXO Collections SAS - Tous droits réservés.

SC, OR SUPER 911

The 911 Safari derived from the SC, or Super Carrera, was developed to replace the Zuffenhausen company's most legendary model. Launched in 1978, it was designed to replace all the naturally-aspirated models belonging to the 911 family, i.e. the Standard and the S, as well as the Carrera.

As part of Porsche's programme, the SC was to be gradually replaced by front-engined models, in particular the 928, selected as its successor. Powered by a 3-litre, 180 bhp boxer engine, it exceeded 220 km/h and reached 100 km/h in just over 6 seconds. Available in Coupé and Targa versions, the 911 SC was even more successful than its predecessor, and was soon able to scale down the ambitions of the car it was intended to replace.