An exceptional replica of the Porsche 953, winner of the 1984 Paris-Dakar rally, has appeared on the auction market. This miniature car, designed for children, celebrates the 40th anniversary of this historic feat and promises to attract the attention of collectors and enthusiasts of the Porsche world.
A meticulous tribute to a rally-raid legend
RM Sotheby’s, a renowned auction house, is about to put under the hammer a unique piece in the automotive world: the Porsche Dakar Children’s Car also known as Dakar Junior. This exceptional creation is a miniature replica of the Porsche 953 which triumphed in the 1984 Paris-Dakar rally.
Manufactured by the British company Halfscale Cars this mini-Porsche pays tribute to the feat of René Metge and co-driver Dominique Lemoyne. Their victory, achieved at the wheel of a modified Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 4×4, made motorsport history 40 years ago.
Impressive details for a faithful replica
The Dakar Junior stands out for its meticulous attention to detail:
- A Rothmans livery distinctive two-tone, hand-painted
- A 400 cm³ engine developing approximately 15 hp
- Top speed up to 80 km/h
- Rack-and-pinion steering
- Brembo hydraulic brakes
- Independent double wishbone suspension
- coilover shock absorbers
These technical features enable the Dakar Junior to tackle rough terrain with remarkable ease, just like its full-size model.
A luxurious interior worthy of the Porsche brand
The interior of the Dakar Junior is no exception, and reflects the refinement typical of Porsche:
- Two miniature bucket seats in Connolly leather and houndstooth fabric
- Abdominal seat belts
- A Moto-Lita steering wheel in removable leather
Each Dakar Junior requires more than 100 hours of work, testifying to the expertise and meticulousness invested in its creation.
Equipment worthy of a real off-roader
Far from being a mere collector’s item, the Dakar Junior is designed as a genuine miniature off-road vehicle:
- From functional headlights
- 12-inch wheels
- From all-terrain tires
- Anti-spray mud flaps
This equipment enables the mini-Porsche to tackle a variety of terrains, providing a fun and immersive driving experience for budding young drivers.
A collector’s item prized by enthusiasts
The Dakar Junior will be auctioned from August 15 as part of RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale. Experts estimate that this unique piece could sell for around 28,000 euros.
This estimate reflects :
- The rarity of the object
- The exceptional quality of its manufacture
- Sound link with a historical event of motor sport
- The growing appeal of Porsche collectibles
A growing craze for luxury miniatures
The Dakar Junior auction is part of a wider trend in the automotive collectibles market. There is a growing interest in miniature replicas of luxury and racing cars, particularly when they are associated with iconic moments in motorsport history.
This phenomenon can be explained by several factors:
- The nostalgia enthusiasts for the glory days of rally-raid
- The desire to own a piece of history automobile
- The appeal of unique, finely crafted objects
- The opportunity to pass on the passion for cars to younger generations
The legacy of the Porsche 953 in the rally-raid world
The creation of the Dakar Junior is an opportunity to look back at the history of the Porsche 953 and its impact on the world of rally-raid:
- First participation and Porsche victory in the Paris-Dakar in 1984
- Development of a special all-wheel drive system to cope with extreme desert conditions
- Demonstrating the versatility and robustness of the 911 platform
- Paving the way for the legendary Porsche 959which won the event in 1986
This unexpected victory left a lasting impression and helped forge Porsche’s reputation for innovation and performance, even in the most extreme conditions.
An object of intergenerational transmission
Beyond its value as a collector’s item, the Dakar Junior represents a formidable tool for passing on the passion for motoring between generations. It enables enthusiastic parents and grandparents to share their enthusiasm for the history of Porsche and rally-raid racing with younger children.
This educational and emotional dimension adds an extra value to the object, going beyond a simple financial investment.
Prospects for future owners
The purchaser of the Dakar Junior will have in his hands an exceptional object, at the crossroads of several worlds:
- A collector’s item rare and potentially valuable
- A functional toy offering a unique driving experience
- A objet d’art testifying to exceptional craftsmanship
- A piece of history of motorsport
The Porsche Dakar Children’s Car is much more than just a miniature replica. It embodies the spirit of innovation, performance and adventure for which Porsche is renowned in the world of rally-raid. Its appearance on the auction market promises to arouse keen interest among collectors and enthusiasts eager to appropriate a fragment of this automotive legend.
