Most Porsche 911 Dakar owners would prefer to keep their rare off-road-ready sports car safely stored as an investment. With only 2,500 units produced, its value is expected to remain high for years.
However, Nguyen Hoang Anh had other plans. Instead of treating his 911 Dakar as a collectible, he embarked on an incredible 20,000-mile road trip from Vietnam to the Gobi Desert and back, testing the car’s true capabilities.
The Start of an Epic Journey
Nguyen’s adventure began in September 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Accompanied by two friends in a truck and an SUV, he set off without a strict route, just a list of cities he wanted to explore. The team first traveled toward Laos and the Chinese border, officially entering China by the end of September.
Their journey continued north, reaching the China-Mongolia border a few weeks later. By the end of October, they had successfully navigated their way to the Gobi Desert, one of the most challenging terrains on Earth.
Challenges Along the Way
Rough Terrain and Repairs
Despite the 911 Dakar’s off-road capabilities, the Gobi Desert proved to be a true test. The harsh conditions led to several setbacks:
- Rear Bumper Damage: Nguyen accidentally hit some rocks, causing damage that required repairs.
- Tire Issues: The rough terrain and sharp stones sliced two of the car’s tires, forcing the team to use their spare replacements.
- Unexpected Detour: Due to the bumper damage, Nguyen had to make a stop in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, for repairs before continuing the journey.
Even with these obstacles, the 911 Dakar performed exceptionally well, proving that Porsche’s off-road sports car is more than just a collector’s item.
Returning Home & Porsche’s Recognition
After an incredible 75-day journey, Nguyen finally returned to Vietnam in early December 2023. His trip caught the attention of Porsche, who were impressed by how he truly put the 911 Dakar to the test.
As a reward, Porsche invited Nguyen to visit the Porsche Museum and meet Achim Lamparter, the 911 Dakar’s project manager. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, all thanks to Nguyen’s bold decision to explore the world with his car.
While many collectors see the Porsche 911 Dakar as a long-term investment, Nguyen Hoang Anh proved that the car was built for adventure. His 20,000-mile journey through challenging landscapes, including the Gobi Desert, showcased the true capabilities of the 911 Dakar. Porsche designed this car for off-road excitement, and Nguyen made sure to use it exactly as intended.
For some, keeping a limited-edition Porsche in pristine condition is the goal, but for Nguyen, the memories and experiences gained from his adventure are priceless.
FAQ’s
How many Porsche 911 Dakar models were made?
Porsche produced only 2,500 units of the 911 Dakar, making it a rare and valuable model.
Where did Nguyen Hoang Anh travel with his Porsche 911 Dakar?
Nguyen embarked on a 20,000-mile journey from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to the Gobi Desert and back, passing through Laos, China, and Mongolia.
Did the Porsche 911 Dakar have any issues during the trip?
Yes, the car suffered minor rear bumper damage and two flat tires, requiring repairs in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
How did Porsche respond to Nguyen’s journey?
Porsche was impressed by his adventure and invited him to visit the Porsche Museum and meet the 911 Dakar’s project manager, Achim Lamparter.
Is the Porsche 911 Dakar good for off-road travel?
Yes, the 911 Dakar is built for off-road adventures with enhanced suspension, rugged tires, and a powerful AWD system.