Desert Dominator: The Tuthill-Prepared 1978 Porsche 911 SC ‘Safari’

There are cars that win races, and then there are cars that win hearts. The 1978 Porsche 911 SC ‘Safari’ built by Tuthill is definitively the latter. It represents the perfect collision of two distinct worlds: the uncompromising, meticulous engineering of the classic Porsche rally legend, and the sheer, unadulterated spectacle brought to motorsport by the late, great Ken Block.

Rising to global prominence as the co-founder of DC Shoes, Block found his second and perhaps most enduring love in the dirt and dust of rallying, graduating from Rally America Rookie of the Year in 2005 to becoming the first American to drive in the World Rally Championship.

Yet, his most powerful legacy was arguably forged not on official podiums, but in the spectacular, tire-shredding, barrier-defying Gymkhana videos that turned millions of viewers into petrolheads.

The East African Safari Classic Rally is an event woven into the fabric of motorsport lore—a grueling, spectacular test of man and machine across the breathtaking, rugged landscapes of Kenya. It was exactly the kind of adventure that appealed to Block as he expanded his horizons into classic rallying.

With 911s having dominated the modern iteration of the event since its inception, the choice of a builder was simple: Tuthill. They are, to many enthusiasts, the absolute authority when it comes to preparing air-cooled Porsches for the African savanna.

The car itself, meticulously built and prepared in the UK before being shipped to Africa, is a masterclass in safari-spec engineering. Starting with a 911 SC body shell, the Tuthill team stripped it back, strengthening every structural point and integrating a full weld-in roll cage.

The running gear is equally bombproof: a rebuilt 3.0-litre high-compression flat six-cylinder engine, pulled from a 911 SC, now churns out a potent 280 bhp. This power is managed by a safari-specification gearbox featuring a limited slip differential, ensuring maximum traction on loose terrain.

To cope with the brutal terrain, the car rides on five-way adjustable safari-spec dampers equipped with hydraulic bump stops, paired with strengthened rear arms and bespoke billet front suspension uprights. Full underbody protection, Perspex side windows, and front ‘roo’ bars complete the exterior’s utilitarian transformation.

Inside, the cabin was fully stripped and prepared for competition, featuring Sparco Pro 2000 bucket seats, six-point harnesses, and all the essential equipment for serious rallying, including twin Monit G-Series trip computers and a plumbed-in fire suppression system.

The sheer quality of the build meant that, despite entering an event dominated by Tuthill-prepared cars, the Block/Gelsomino 911 SC was the undeniable standout. Finished in Block’s iconic, eye-catching Hoonigan Racing livery, it juxtaposed the grit of the African savanna with the contemporary flair of the Hoonigan brand.

Over the course of the 2022 rally, Block and his long-time co-driver Alessandro Gelsomino were on pace to win, amassing an impressive eight stage victories. However, a punishing run of six punctures combined with a time penalty saw the duo finish 19th overall, a result that tells only half the story of their blistering pace.

Following the rally, the car was returned to Tuthill’s facility. Tragically, after Ken Block’s untimely passing in January 2023, the car was mechanically refreshed and subtly prepared for road use, yet the exterior was deliberately left in its “as-raced” condition—a beautiful, dusty testament to the battle it endured.

Its only public appearance since was a poignant tribute drive at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed. For the collector with an appetite for both rally provenance and automotive culture, the chance to own this piece of history is unparalleled.

Offered by RM Sotheby’s, this fascinating 911 SC ‘Safari’ carries a price tag in excess of $430,000, making it one of the most significant and sought-after rally cars to come to market in recent memory. For the Hoonigan with a sense of adventure and a deep appreciation for the impact Ken Block had on the world of motorsport, there truly is no better car.

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