Dirty Martini: My Porsche 924S Safari Werks Build
Karl- Apr 20
- 2 min read
Some projects start with a plan. This one started with a dented door.
In March 2023, I bought a really clean 1987 Porsche 924S (E905 NWD) from fellow 924 Club member Daz.
The car had been in hibernation through Covid in his dad’s garage, but it was in great condition and had even featured on the NEC Classic Car Show club stand a couple of years back. After sorting a few niggles (and the usual 924 quirks), I properly enjoyed the car through the summer.
Then came a flat battery, a solo push, and an unfortunately placed object… which left me with a damaged driver’s door. Replacing the door was straightforward – but it sparked a bigger idea. Paint or wrap?
As soon as the Sticker Queen heard me mention the idea of wrapping the car, her eyes lit up. Let’s just say the decision was made pretty quickly – this 924S was getting some vinyl!
The Plan (and the Not-Plan)
The idea of a Porsche safari build has been done plenty of times – usually with 911s and 944s – but I wanted something that stood out without going over the top. My goals were simple:
It had to stay road-legal and useable.
The original interior would stay intact (I’m a big fan of the factory sports seats).
I’d keep costs down and modify as little as possible.
It needed to turn heads.
The final design was inspired by Porsche’s 911 SC entry in the early '80s East Africa Rally – but with a twist. I’ve always loved Martini liveries, so we went full rally-style with a custom Dirty Martini wrap, printed and applied in-house using 3M film.
Details That Matter
Before anything else, I’d already sourced a set of Thule roof bars, rack, and lights via eBay. The setup actually came from a real 944 safari build that had been driven across Africa. I added a spare wheel, jerry can and mud boards to complete the look.
Underneath, it’s mostly stock – just a few tweaks to make it sit right and cope with show duties:
The rear was raised by about 20–25mm using standard adjustable plates.
The front struts were serviced and fitted with 25mm billet spacers – the only mod needed was replacing the top mount studs with longer bolts.
Powder-coated wheels were wrapped in road-legal mud and snow tyres.
A custom bull bar, finished in acid yellow, adds the final touch.
Debut Year
This year (2025) is the car’s first proper outing on the show scene. We took it along to the Centre Gravity 20th anniversary event last weekend, and it definitely pulled a crowd. It's already doing exactly what I hoped – grabbing attention, starting conversations, and giving Bonnet & Boot a bit of added flair when we’re out and about.
It’s not a concours car. It’s not built for off-roading. But it’s fun, different, and it’s mine – and that’s what it’s all about!
Comments