Meet Porsche’s 1978 911 rally car

The Porsche 911 is, we're told, the most successful racing car in the history of this and many other galaxies. And here we have one which wasn't that successful, the 911 SC ‘Safari'.

Well, comparatively, anyway. It was a purpose-built rally car from Porsche, put together with the aim of winning the 1978 East African Safari Rally. And this is a tough, tough race, which pitted desert, insane heat and the occasional passing elephant.

It also proves just how tough those old 911s where. This one got raised suspension, some off-road tyres, a set of extra headlights, some body protection and a roll-cage, but apart from that it was all standard, road-going Porsche 911.

Everything was going swimmingly in 1978, the car leading the race until a few hours before the finish. It hit a rock while crossing a river, damaging the rear suspension, which forced it to finish in only second place. Second.

Still, it was quite a journey, and Porsche wanted to capture this car and save it for all time. Immediately after the rally, it was sent to Porsche's museum, where it has remained until this day.

Have a watch of the video below. And then try not to log onto any classified sites for old Porsche 911s. We definitely haven't been doing that.