Safari 911s are cool, but this SEMA build from 2019 is beyond wild.
Built by California-based fabricator T.J. Russell, this Baja-ready 911 traces its origins to a 964-generation 911. A custom tube frame surrounds the original unibody, which has been fitted with massive flares to contain the trophy truck-like suspension. The three-way adjustable coilovers have 12.5 inches of travel up front and 13.9 inches at the rear, giving this 911 F-150 Raptor levels of suspension articulation.
Supplying power to the wheels is a 3.8-liter flat-six built by Rothsport Racing. Rated at 365 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, it's attached to a six-speed manual transmission sourced from a newer 996-generation 911.
R&T contributor Matt Farah got the opportunity to drive Russell's 911 out in the desert where its wild suspension and gigantic all-terrain tires could shine. And, big surprise, he absolutely loved every second of it. The car handles bumps like they're nothing, and it sounds delightful. Getting sideways is easy, as is getting airborne with the right amount of speed. We're not jealous. Not one bit.
Brian Silvestro is Hearst Autos' former lead deputy editor for rankings content. He spent over seven years as a staff writer for Road & Track Magazine where he contributed car reviews, industry interviews, and more. He has a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.
