Porsche’s history with rallying is nothing short of legendary, and the 911 Dakar is a stunning tribute to its off-road dominance. Inspired by the 1984 Paris-Dakar-winning 911, this limited-production machine blends the raw performance of a 911 with the rugged capability of an off-roader. But for 2023, Porsche took it a step further with the Roughroads #953, a special edition that leans even deeper into its rally roots.

Back in 1984, Porsche shocked the world by entering the gruelling Paris-Dakar Rally with a heavily modified 911—dubbed the 953. This was no ordinary sports car; it was the first-ever all-wheel-drive 911, setting the stage for future rally and road-going Porsches. With its lifted suspension, reinforced chassis, and a 3.2L flat-six making 300 horsepower, the 953 defied expectations and clinched victory in one of the toughest endurance races on the planet.

Fast forward nearly four decades, and Porsche decided to honour that achievement with the 911 Dakar, a modern reinterpretation of that off-road warrior.

Norev has long been a favourite among collectors, consistently delivering great value and solid execution. Their latest release, the Porsche 911 Dakar (2024), is no exception. With a full-metal body and functional opening parts, it stays true to what collectors expect from the brand—well, almost. More on that later.

The version reviewed here is the street variant, finished in a stunning Oakgreen Metallic. This deep, understated colour contrasts beautifully with the aggressive knobby tires and rear spoiler, giving the car a rugged yet refined presence. For those who prefer a race-inspired look, Norev also offers the 2023 Roughroads #953 edition. However, what truly sets this model apart is its adjustable ride height, a feature not often seen at this price point.

From the moment you take it out of the box, the exterior paintwork stands out. Oakgreen Metallic isn’t flashy but complements the rally-inspired styling in a way that feels both bold and sophisticated. The full-metal front, rear, and side elements add to the sense of durability, while the well-executed body lines and matte trim details closely mirror the real car.

Shutlines for the opening parts are impressively precise, including the front trunk (frunk) and doors. However, there is no access to the rear-positioned engine, which might disappoint some collectors. That said, considering the limited visual appeal of the real car’s engine bay, it’s not a huge loss.

At the front, functional tow hooks and perforated metal grilles give the model an extra layer of realism. Opening the frunk reveals a nicely flocked storage area, though the large hinges feel slightly budget-conscious—reminiscent of what you’d find on Bburago or Maisto models. Still, the small storage compartments with perforated metal grilles inside are a welcome detail.

The rear of the model is just as well-executed. While there’s no engine access, the large metal lower bracing immediately draws attention, reinforcing the rally-inspired design. The fit and finish are excellent, staying true to Norev’s reputation for high-quality craftsmanship.

One of the standout features of this model is its adjustable ride height, a rarity at this price point. A simple push-button mechanism allows collectors to raise or lower the stance, replicating the real car’s rally suspension settings. Norev even includes a small tool to assist, but for those with steady hands, a hard press is all that’s needed. This adds an extra layer of display versatility, making it easy to showcase the model in different configurations—or even differentiate between the street and race versions for those who collect both.

The wheels and tires are executed beautifully. The matte black rims feature a chromed perimeter lip, adding contrast and depth. Behind them, cross-drilled rotors and red-painted calipers with Porsche branding enhance the realism. The tire sidewalls are a bit more aggressive than usual for a Porsche, but in this rally-inspired setup, they feel appropriate. Adding to the authenticity, tire branding is present, something that budget-friendly models often overlook.

Inside, the Norev Porsche 911 Dakar offers both impressive details and a few compromises. The interior is fully flocked, the seats are carbon fibre backed and a roll cage is included, adding to the model’s authenticity. Stitching details on the door panels, center console, and seats elevate the realism, while OEM production decals on the door sills show Norev’s attention to small but meaningful touches. However, the dashboard falls a bit short, as it relies on basic decals rather than raised buttons or dials. Additionally, the prominent center dial from the real car is missing, which feels like a missed opportunity.

At a price point of $115–$130 USD, the Norev Porsche 911 Dakar delivers outstanding value. The paint quality, metal components, and innovative ride height adjustment make it an exciting addition to any Porsche or rally-themed collection. While the lack of engine access and simple dashboard details might be drawbacks for some, the overall execution more than makes up for it. Plus, Norev’s quality control remains excellent—this particular example was flawless.

For collectors looking for something unique, this model is absolutely worth adding to the collection. Norev continues to push boundaries in the budget-friendly diecast market, and the 911 Dakar is proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune on high-quality craftsmanship.  With that, an easy highly recommended for Porsche enthusiasts and collectors alike. Enjoy the photos!