Wipe the Drool From Your Chin

It’s not every day that a European spec 1978 Porsche 911 SC comes your way, and when the guys at Makellos Classics saw the car for the first time, they knew right away it would be the perfect candidate for a safari project.

The team wanted to build something unique and ready for anything. With this in mind, the car was crafted into a machine that would dominate off of the pavement.

To transform the 911 SC from its stock road-going form into a car that loves dirt, loose gravel, and sand, Makellos had a tough job on its hands. The 911 SC Safari is a radical transformation. It’s a build that required the team to rework almost every part of the car. The frame, suspension, transmission, engine, wheels, brakes, and interior were all updated and customized.

We touched on this model a while back, and now we’re getting an exclusive look at the 1978 Porsche 911 SC Safari in the company’s new “Spec Check” video. In it, the company discusses the specifics of the build, starting underneath the car and moving to the top of the vehicle, then the rest of the exterior, the interior, and finally you get a look at the lights in all their glory.

The Pursuit of Excellence

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This closer look at the Makellos Classics 1978 Porsche 911 SC shows just how detailed and extensive Makellos builds are. This isn’t some 1970s Porsche 911 with a few minor updates. This is a complete transformation unlike any other.

It’s a true work of art, a functional piece that can kick out its tail on a gravel road, spin donuts in the middle of a dusty field, or climb dunes with dirtbikes and dune buggies. It’s a machine that’s built to remind you what driving is all about, and that just because something was built for one purpose doesn’t mean it can’t excel at something else with the help of knowledgable hands and some quality components.

Here are some of the highlights of the build:

  • KW Clubsport coilover shocks with rally spec valving and external reservoirs, KW top mounts, KW dry break fittings for front dampeners.
  • Complete Tarrett Engineering 935 suspension kit. 
  • Custom rear strut mounts, bracing, and upper front strut mount braces.
  • Roll cage attached to the rear strut mounts.
  • Custom front and rear brush guards with skid plates.
  • 915/xx gearbox with Guard Transmission for second and fourth gears.
  • Limited slip differential from Wavetrac.
  • WEVO 915 billet shifter, engine mounts, and transmission mounts. 
  • Fifteen52 Outlaw 003 15×7 wheels with Pirelli k gravel tires.
  • Pagid orange brake pads.

As you can tell from the video, what’s listed here is only a taste of what Makellos did to the car. For more on the Safari build, including some more achingly beautiful photos of the model, check out the Makellos Classics website. Here are a few good parting shots to keep your eyes busy.