Porsche 911 Dakar Red 58 Special – tribute car in motion
The story of RED58 begins in 1968, during one of the most demanding endurance events in motorsport history – The Daily Express London—Sydney Marathon. Behind the wheel of a bloodorange Porsche 911 S bearing the number 58, Polish driver Sobiesław Zasada, together with co-driver Marek Wachowski, set out on a journey that would become a defining moment in rally history. The Red58 Porsche 911 Dakar is a tribute to this history.
In the 1960s and early 1970s, Sobiesław Zasada developed a close and highly successful relationship with Porsche, becoming one of the brand’s most prominent privateer drivers in international rallying. Competing in various versions of the Porsche 911 and 912, he achieved numerous victories and strong finishes in European Championship events, helping to establish Porsche’s reputation for durability and performance in long-distance rallies and achived European Rally Championship title. His driving style—precise, consistent, and technically refined—perfectly matched the characteristics of Porsche cars, making him one of the key figures associated with the brand’s rally success during that era.
Despite limited resources, logistical challenges, and minimal preparation compared to factory-backed Western teams, the Polish crew delivered an extraordinary performance in The Daily Express London—Sydney Marathon. On the brutal stages in Australia, they won multiple sections and ultimately finished fourth overall, gaining international recognition and earning particular admiration from Australian fans. Their result proved not only their determination, but also the remarkable durability and versatility of the Porsche 911.
The original rally car never returned to Europe—but this is set to change soon. Before, like many competition vehicles of that era, it remained overseas and gradually disappeared from sight. Decades later, it was rediscovered in Australia in a heavily deteriorated condition and restored, symbolically closing a long chapter in its history.
More than fifty years after that legendary rally, the idea of paying tribute to this achievement took shape. The concept evolved over time and ultimately found its perfect form in a unique interpretation of the Porsche 911 Dakar. This led to the creation of the one-of-one Red58 Special, developed through Porsche’s exclusive Sonderwunsch program.
The car was designed as a faithful yet modern homage to the original rally machine. Its distinctive red-orange paintwork, hand-painted number 58, “POLAND” lettering, and carefully curated interior details all reference the spirit of the 1968 car. Even the signature of Sobiesław Zasada is incorporated into the vehicle, reinforcing the connection between past and present.
What makes RED58 truly exceptional, however, is that its story did not end with its creation. Unlike many bespoke collector cars that are hidden away, this car continues to be driven and experienced.
In the hands of its new owner, 911 Dakar Red58 Special remains in motion, appearing at events and locations that echo the legacy of the original journey. It has been showcased at Air|Water Poland 2025, taken to Sweden for ice-driving experiences, and brought to London—the symbolic starting point of the London–Sydney Marathon.
Its travels have also taken it across some of Europe’s most evocative routes and destinations, including Paris, the rugged landscapes of Brittany, the dramatic roads of Scotland, and even along the iconic “James Bond road,” further reinforcing its spirit of adventure and exploration.
Each of these appearances adds a new layer to its story. Rather than serving solely as a tribute, 911 Dakar Red58 Special has become a continuation—a modern interpretation of the same spirit of exploration and endurance that defined the original car. Today, Red58 Special stands as more than a one-off creation. It is a living piece of history that connects generations, carrying the memory of a remarkable rally effort into the present day. And most importantly, just like the car that inspired it, it continues to move.














