A unique tribute to the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally-winning Porsche 953 is set to go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s. The Dakar Children’s Car, also known as the Dakar Junior, is a miniature replica of the iconic rally car, crafted by UK-based Halfscale Cars to mark the 40th anniversary of the legendary victory.
René Metge and co-driver Dominique Lemoyne’s victory in the gruelling 1984 rally, aboard a modified Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 4×4, is commemorated in this meticulously detailed creation. The Dakar Junior sports the distinctive two-tone Rothmans livery, that is notably hand-painted.
Under the hood, the car features a 400-cc engine that produces roughly 15 hp, which propels it to speeds of up to 50 mph — the very same engine used in the official Porsche 911 jr. Its mechanical specifications feature rack-and-pinion steering, Brembo hydraulic brakes, independent wishbone suspension and coilover shock absorbers. These components ensure that the Dakar Junior can handle tough terrain with minimal effort.
The interior of the Dakar Junior aims to match the luxuriousness of its full-sized counterpart, featuring two Connolly leather and houndstooth fabric miniature bucket seats equipped with lap belts and a removable Moto-Lita leather steering wheel. Each Dakar Junior takes over 100 hours to complete, showcasing the dedication and craftsmanship involved in its production. With working headlights, 12-inch wheels, off-road tires and mud flaps, this miniature car is not just a collector’s item but a fully functional off-road toy.
This stunning tribute to the Paris-Dakar Rally will be up for auction from August 15 as part of RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale and is expected to fetch as much as $30,000 USD.
