There's A Porsche Dakar Children's Car, Because Why Not?

A Half-Size Tribute to Rally Glory

A remarkable tribute to the victorious 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally Porsche 953 is set to be auctioned at RM Sotheby’s. The Dakar Children’s Car, also known as the Dakar Junior, has been crafted by the UK-based Halfscale Cars to commemorate the 40th anniversary of this legendary rally victory. This miniature replica celebrates the triumph of René Metge and co-driver Dominique Lemoyne, who conquered the grueling rally in a modified Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 4×4.

Authentic Design

The Dakar Junior is adorned with the iconic two-tone Rothmans livery, meticulously hand-painted to replicate the original. Underneath its striking exterior lies a 400-cc engine producing around 15 horsepower, capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 mph. This is the same engine used in the official Porsche 911 Jr. The car’s mechanical features include rack-and-pinion steering, Brembo hydraulic brakes, independent wishbone suspension, and coilover shock absorbers, ensuring it can handle challenging terrains with ease.

Luxurious Interiors

Inside, the Dakar Junior mirrors the opulence of its full-sized counterpart. It boasts two Connolly leather and houndstooth fabric bucket seats equipped with lap belts and a removable Moto-Lita leather steering wheel. Every Dakar Junior takes over 100 hours to complete, showcasing the dedication and craftsmanship involved in its production. The car is also equipped with working headlights, 12-inch wheels, off-road tires, and mud flaps, making it a fully functional off-road vehicle as well as a collector’s item.

More Than Just a Toy

The Dakar Children’s Car is far from being a mere toy. Halfscale Cars has crafted this miniature machine to mirror a full-sized luxury-performance car. The junior car’s real rack and pinion steering, independent wishbone suspension, coilovers, and genuine Brembo brakes ensure a smooth and controlled ride. The Kenda tires on 15-inch wheels and functional headlights further enhance its authenticity and performance.

Craftsmanship and Customization

Hand-painted in the iconic Rothmans livery, the car reflects a high level of detail and craftsmanship. Halfscale Cars doesn’t limit its creations to this Porsche tribute. Their collection includes other remarkable models like the Williams FW14-Junior with Camel logos and the Porsche 917 JNR, as well as the extravagant Crystal Car adorned with over 100,000 Swarovski Xirus crystals.

Upcoming Auction at Monterey Car Week

The Dakar Children’s Car will be up for auction from August 15 as part of RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale. It is expected to fetch between $20,000 and $30,000. This pint-sized Porsche, a tribute to rally history and a marvel of engineering and craftsmanship, is sure to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. 

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