Argomenti trattati
In 1964, a black-and-white video sparked a lifelong passion for automobiles. The film featured a Mercury Comet racing down a dirt road in Africa. Captivated at the age of eight, I immersed myself in car magazines, paving the way for a career centered around my love for vehicles.
Over the years, my admiration for rallying intensified, particularly for the East African Safari, which I considered the pinnacle of rally racing. I fantasized about participating in the Safari Classic, though I doubted it would ever become a reality.
Making the dream happen
Fast forward to 2019, when I began outlining plans for a vintage Porsche 911 for racing. My excitement was palpable as I had never owned a Porsche before. My wife, Kim, noticed my restless pacing and challenged my ambitions. “What if we think bigger?” she proposed. “If you could do anything, what would it be?”
With a chuckle, I replied, “The East African Safari Classic, but…” Kim interrupted, “Then we should focus on that.” The following day, I reached out to Richard Tuthill, a name that had lingered in my mind since our visit to his workshop in the UK during a Steve Austin tour of Goodwood 15 years prior.
Logistics of a dream
Today, the East African Safari Classic operates as a faithful recreation of the rallying scene from the 1970s and early 1980s. Entry is limited to pre-1986 FIA historic cars, prohibiting turbos and four-wheel-drive vehicles. According to legendary driver Stig Blomqvist, the Classic is just as challenging as its predecessor but allows for more recovery time, spanning eight days instead of the original four.
For an American like me, the only practical option to compete in the Safari was through Tuthill Porsche. The logistics are daunting, requiring a skilled team of rally mechanics adept at quick repairs and precise timing. Fortunately, Tuthill excels in this area, fielding 13 Porsche 911s at the 2026 edition of the event, with six shipping containers filled with cars, spare parts, and a staggering 40 tires per vehicle.
Experience of a lifetime
Every remarkable journey begins with a dream, and for me, that dream was ignited by the sight of that Mercury Comet. Fast forward to my participation in the Safari Classic, where I drove entry number 30. Our team was supported by a formidable crew of 70 from Tuthill Porsche, alongside 21 support vehicles, primarily Land Cruisers rented locally. Kenyan locals contributed their skills for catering, shuttle driving, and logistical support.
Many drivers at Tuthill were there for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, including vintage racers and club enthusiasts who, like us, had enrolled in the rally. Among the competitors were notable professionals, including American Ken Block and Sweden’s Patrik Sandell, all piloting Tuthill Porsches.
Preparing for the challenge
Tuthill’s Porsches are tailored as FIA Appendix K rally cars, allowing some modifications for the Safari Classic that can be reverted within a day. Typically, a 1973-77 chassis is stripped and reinforced, fitted with 3.0-liter engines that comply with regulations. Essential features include 100-liter fuel tanks, two spare tires, and a tow rope.
Our car, a Bahia Red 1972 Porsche 911T coupe, was sourced from Colorado. It sported a narrow body without a ducktail and featured a unique oil filler on the right-rear fender. Despite being a bit worn, it offered 280 horsepower and the ability to run on lower-grade fuel. The two-tone color scheme paid homage to the classic Porsches of yesteryear while maintaining its individuality.
The rally adventure
Over the years, my admiration for rallying intensified, particularly for the East African Safari, which I considered the pinnacle of rally racing. I fantasized about participating in the Safari Classic, though I doubted it would ever become a reality.0
Over the years, my admiration for rallying intensified, particularly for the East African Safari, which I considered the pinnacle of rally racing. I fantasized about participating in the Safari Classic, though I doubted it would ever become a reality.1
Over the years, my admiration for rallying intensified, particularly for the East African Safari, which I considered the pinnacle of rally racing. I fantasized about participating in the Safari Classic, though I doubted it would ever become a reality.2
Over the years, my admiration for rallying intensified, particularly for the East African Safari, which I considered the pinnacle of rally racing. I fantasized about participating in the Safari Classic, though I doubted it would ever become a reality.3
Enduring achievement
Over the years, my admiration for rallying intensified, particularly for the East African Safari, which I considered the pinnacle of rally racing. I fantasized about participating in the Safari Classic, though I doubted it would ever become a reality.4