DAKAR: THE CRAZIEST VEHICLES

Over the years, the Dakar Rally—with its unique and permissive regulations—has been the stage for a wide array of experimental vehicles from its competitors. Here are some of the most absurd and iconic examples in its history:

Vespa P200E – The Desert Scooter (1980)

Perhaps the most incredible and famous “crazy” vehicle in rally history.

In the 1980s, four participants decided to take on the Dakar… on a Vespa P200E! With just a 200cc engine and limited speed, these Vespas were certainly not meant to compete with 4x4s and professional rally motorcycles. Despite the extreme desert terrain, two of them managed to reach Dakar—albeit outside the time limit for the rankings.

A scooter navigating dunes and African tracks is probably the most improbable idea imaginable for a race like the Dakar. Their feat remains a symbol of pure audacity.

Chip Van – The French Fry Truck (2009)

French enthusiasm meets culinary culture.

In 2009, Hervé Diers entered the Dakar with a vehicle that combined a Toyota 4x4 pickup with… a large van for frying and serving frites (French fries) directly at the bivouac! After each stage, competitors could enjoy the team’s culinary creations for free. And amazingly, they finished the race in 58th place.

This wasn’t just a strange car—it was a restaurant on wheels, launched into the toughest rally in the world!

Rolls-Royce Corniche Dakar – Luxury in the Desert (1981)

When a crazy idea is born from a bet…

Two French friends—possibly a little tipsy at dinner—decided to enter a Rolls-Royce Corniche in the Dakar. The plan? Lighten the body, fit a V8 engine, and turn the sumptuous coupe… into a desert-ready rally car. The result was a luxury car transformed into a rally machine. After many adventures, they were disqualified for an illegal repair, but the story remains legendary.

A Rolls-Royce, synonymous with comfort and luxury living rooms, among the Sahara dunes? Pure contradiction.

Jules II Proto – The Six-Wheeled Monster (1984)

Six wheels conquering the desert.

The spiritual successor to the Rolls-Royce Dakar was the Jules II Proto, a prototype sponsored by Christian Dior with six wheels, a Chevrolet V8 engine, and a Porsche gearbox. Its futuristic look seemed straight out of a sci-fi movie. Unfortunately, the chassis gave way, and the car had to retire.

Six tires, an alien-like appearance, and hybrid components make this vehicle one of the most exciting and bizarre in Dakar history.

Citroën 2CV – The French Classic (2007)

A pop icon adapted to the toughest race.

The Citroën 2CV, a legend of reliability and simplicity, was transformed into a rally-raid car in 2007, with reinforced suspension and two Citroën Visa engines to reach respectable power. However, the team was forced to retire due to suspension failure.

A car designed for the quiet countryside of rural France attempting to tame African dunes and tracks? Pure Dakar spirit.

© Cavalieri Garage & Co.