Ken Block rose to prominence as co-founder of DC Shoes, then shifted to rallying after selling the company in 2004. He earned Rally America Rookie of the Year in 2005, multiple X Games medals, and three runner-up finishes in the Rally America championship.
He also became the first American to compete in the World Rally Championship. Despite his competitive record, Block became widely known for his Gymkhana series with Hoonigan Racing, where he showcased extreme car control in highly modified machines across global locations, generating massive online viewership.
In 2022, Block entered the East African Safari Classic Rally, an event created in 2003 to revive the long-running Safari Rally. The edition originally scheduled for 2021 took place in February 2022 after pandemic delays. Porsche 911s, particularly those prepared by Tuthill, have long dominated the event, and Block chose a Tuthill-built 1978 Porsche 911 SC for his debut.
These cars use rebuilt 3.0-liter flat-six engines producing 280 bhp, reinforced shells, and an upgraded suspension. Modifications included a full weld-in roll cage, underbody protection, and front ‘roo’ bars. Externally, it featured Perspex side windows, twin spares, and a safari roof vent. The rally-spec interior was equipped with Sparco bucket seats, six-point harnesses, an intercom, dual trip computers, a hydraulic jack, and a comprehensive fire suppression system.
Block and co-driver Alessandro Gelsomino were among thirteen Tuthill-supported entries. Their Hoonigan-liveried 911 became the event’s standout car. They won eight stages and were in contention for victory until multiple punctures and a penalty dropped them to 19th overall. Tuthill entries still secured strong results, including second place.
After the rally, Block’s car returned to the UK for storage and later a mechanical refresh. Following his death in 2023, it was refreshed mechanically for road use and appeared at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed as a tribute. It is currently up for grabs on RM Sotheby’s and remains eligible for road use.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
