Recently, I saw a Porsche 911 Dakar, an extremely rare model no longer available to order. The second-hand value of a Porsche 911 Dakar is exceptionally high! I appreciate the innovative idea of combining an off-roader with a sports car, which seems relatively new.
In 1997, Jim Rogers and Paige Parker decided to mount a Mercedes SLK on a G-Wagon chassis. Since the G-Wagon had a three-door version, fitting the SLK onto a G-Wagon chassis was fairly feasible.
This SLK was powered by a 3-litre 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 177 HP and paired with a 5-speed automatic gearbox. These figures might not impress in 2024, but they were satisfactory in 1997. Additionally, the G-Wagon was equipped with a low-range gearbox and three differential locks.
Jim and Paige travelled over 240,000 km across 116 countries from 1 January 1999 until 5 January 2002. I believe that if this SLK had been manufactured in 1997, it might not have seen the demand it does today, as SUVs were scarcely available back then.
In summary, the Porsche 911 Dakar is an amazing car, and I love the concept of an off-roader in the form of a sports car. I wonder if any of the Dakar’s owners would take the risk of a 240,000 km journey? I am confident the car could withstand it.
Here are a few more technical details of the Mercedes-Benz SLK on a G-Wagon.
- Engine: Six-cylinder 3.0-liter turbodiesel, four valves per cylinder, 22:1 compression ratio
- Power: 177 hp @ 4,400 rpm
- Torque: 330 Newton/Meters or 244 lb.-ft. @ 3,600 rpm
- Transmission: Mercedes-Benz five-speed automatic
- Drive System: Full-time, four-wheel drive, three differential locks from Mercedes-Benz G-Series
- Chassis: Mercedes-Benz G300 Short Wheelbase (160 inches) (4 meters)
- Ride Height: Approx. one full foot taller (30 cm) than stock ride height of standard SLK
- Fuel Capacity: 146 liters (38.5 gallons)
- Fuel Range: 1,000 kilometers / 620 miles
- Wheels: Mercedes-Benz aluminum alloy, G500 V8-7.5 inches wide/18 inches tall
- Tires: Bridgestone Dueler HP0680 P265/60R-18
- Body: Steel-framed body constructed of composite fiberglass.
- SLK Sunburst Yellow paint scheme including fender flares enlarged around wheelwell openings.
- Newly designed rocker panels with integrated step, front and rear bumper skirts.
- Interior: Black leather
- Communication: Short-wave radio and walkie-talkies
- Trailer Facts: Custom made, two-wheel trailer sits on leaf springs and utilises electric brakes and the same 18-inch tall wheels used on the lead vehicle. It houses a spare tire, drinking water, medical supplies and a spare fuel can. The rear compartment holds luggage.
More details:
Photo (in order) // MotorTrend.com, Dartz Motors and Porsche