Valkyrie Racing's 1956 Porsche 356A will travel 356 miles to Antarctica, in December 2021 as part of the "Project 356 World Rally" expedition and its humanitarian purpose is to end child trafficking.

Overview

Renee Brinkerhoff, who is a racing driver and philanthropist, will be behind the wheel of this unique Porsche continuing her journey of almost 20,000 miles across all seven continents in support of her philanthropic foundation "Valkyrie Gives."

The amateur racer has already competed in vintage sports car races on six continents so far, in a variety of conditions. Off-road driving is difficult for anyone, let alone a woman driving a 65-year-old race car. She plans to put this old Porsche to the ultimate test by driving 356 miles in Antarctica. 

The Antarctic Ready 356

A Porsche 356, isn't the first vehicle that comes to mind when people think of Antarctica is it? But pretty much anything is feasible with a few tweaks and mods. Valkyrie Racing has reached out to record holders, polar explorers, and engineers Jason de Carteret and Kieron Bradley.

They were tasked with modifying this Porsche 356A into the off-road vehicle seen here. The pair also collaborated with the British team Tuthill Porsche, who was responsible for the amazing Singer ACS, from the start of the project.

A considerable amount of alterations were made to this classic car. A staggering 18 months were spent, designing and building this unique vehicle, whose ski (steering) and track (propulsion) systems were meticulously studied to enable the car to tackle the rough and icy terrain that awaits it in Antarctica, all at a "recommended" speed of 24 mph. The temperatures there can get as low as -122 ℉.

Here’s the list of Retrofits to the car

-A Crevasse bar will be used to hold the dual-sided solar panel in place

-Twin solar panels to produce a minimum of 150 W at peak saturation

-Roll cage TIG-welded/T45 material

-Rear track suspension mount frame TIG-welded T45

-A Track bearing system that runs Dupont Krytox low temp grease

-12 V low-temperature compressor

-Temperature gauge for early gearbox overheat detection

-A four-ton bag jack to lift the vehicle in soft snow

- A Rear engine frame winch point

-The ability for the occupant to have a rear window exit option

-Accessibility from within the cabin area to easily reach the survival dress, communication equipment, and crucially, water

The Mission

Brinkerhoff, who is the founder of Valkyrie Racing, set out in 2017 on a mission to confront six events, including the Paris-Beijing and East African Safari Rally across all seven continents across an impressive 18 countries.

Four years on, the Project 356 World Rally is drawing to a finish, and Renee will soon be driving her Porsche 356A over one of the world's most difficult terrains, attempting to set a new Antarctic ice speed record. The Project 356 World Rally is now in its final leg as she will attempt to drive the final 20,000 miles.

To Sum it Up

To conclude, this humanitarian effort is both an expedition and a worldwide campaign to assist at-risk mothers and children. Project 356 World Rally has already raised almost $500,000 for children's charities, which has been distributed through Valkyrie Gives. People who donate $356 towards this noble cause to eliminate child trafficking, will have their names engraved on the car's hood.