Porsche 959 Paris Dakar (1986)

Year of production: 1986
Engine:flat-six turbo
Displacement: 2,849 cc
Power output: 400 HP (294 kW)
Top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)

To put the technology demonstrator 959 through its paces, it was entered in the toughest rally in the world. The Paris-Dakar crosses Africa’s deserts and savannahs for 13,800 kilometres (8,575 miles). The all-wheel-drive 959 coped effortlessly with the wide-ranging conditions. The venture ended with a one-two victory for René Metge/Dominique Lemoyne and Jacky Ickx/Claude Brasseur. In fact a third 959, only really intended as a support vehicle, finished the race in sixth place.