THE IDEA
#1 is the original, the leader of the pack, the one that started it all.
The 2003 3.6-litre Porsche 996 Carrera 4S was modified with improved grip and handling for playing off-road while providing modern comforts and loads of style for cruising in the city.
RUGGED
REDEFINED
The suspension was designed to provide maximum performance and stability when tearing through rough terrain at high speeds.
The underside was fitted with a custom-made aluminium skid plate and the bumpers remodelled for a huge 280 mm ground clearance – perfect for flying over ramps and skidding around tight bends.
“It boggles the mind to drive this car on a dirt road.
It handles potholes, jumps and speedbumps like nothing else I’ve driven before.”
Johan de Bruyn
STYLISH ON
THE INSIDE
The sauve cockpit wraps you in comfort and safety. The bucket seats are moulds that were upcycled from a Mclaren Mercedes and they keep you grounded even when doing some low flying.
And the air conditioner will keep you cool when blazing across the countryside.
THE BUILD
Starting Point
#1 started off as a very pretty green 2003 Porsche 996 4S Manual with beautiful tan interior.
STEP INTO THE WORKSHOP
Raw and unedited – a few shots taken during the build process.
MODIFICATIONS & TECH SPECS
Chassis
To get enough wheel travel the track in front was widened by 120 mm.
The rear needed to be widened in order to fit the same wheel as used in the front. The rear suspension geometry was altered to enable better weight transfer to the front axle under braking, creating a much better turn-in under braking on gravel roads.
Suspension
The top mount for the McPherson strut was moved out by 60 mm via a specially designed top mount for the bespoke Reiger shock
absorbers.
Bespoke suspension components were manufactured from 7075 aircraft aluminium to widen the track, fitted with chrome molly-rod end bearings on all pivot points. The Reiger shock absorbers combined with the suspension changes generated +/-200 mm of wheel travel front and rear.
Wheels
This 996 C4s rides on huge 225/55r18 SUV wheels fitted to OZ Racing 18 Inch 8J wide wheel rims all-round, and this 996 C4S now clears the ground with an enormous 280 mm.
Bumpers
New front and rear bumpers were designed and made, afterward, moulds were taken from the prototypes. Front and rear bumper inserts are fabricated from steel with front and rear bash plates/underbody protection. Polyurethane-coated aluminium underbody protection plates cover the entire underside of the car.
Engine
The engine was fitted with a set of performance headers and de-cat exhaust with a centre outlet in the rear steel bumper insert.
The radiator angle needed to change to get clearance for the bigger wheels, we did not want to move them forward and compromise the already long overhang in front of the front axle.
Gearbox
The 6-speed manual rear axle is treated to Quaife limited slip differential to improve handling on dirt roads and allow you to step out the rear side (drifting).
Exterior finishes
The Olive Porsche colour was chosen for #1 as it beautifully complemented the tan interior and looks fantastic etched against the South African landscape.
A wing, roof rack, and 4-pod headlight on the bonnet complete the look.
AS SEEN ON
LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?
We’ve made it easy to own your very own Safari. You can decide how involved you will be in the build. It’s as simple as 1, 2 or 3!
- Buy a ready-built car from our workshop and choose your own interior and exterior look.
- Buy your own donor car and we’ll customise it for you with your choice of finishes.
- Buy the custom kit from us and build your own Safari to your specifications.
