Engine-wise displacement was unchanged at 3164cc but with its reduced compression ratio (9.0:1), output dipped to 225bhp at 5800rpm. This slightly de-tuned but largely standard unit was developed primarily for longevity in the tough desert conditions. A normal five-speed gearbox benefited from an oil-cooler housed in the rear spoiler, the racing clutch receiving a sintered metal coating. Externally the steel doors, front lid and engine cover were replaced with composite panels whilst the side and back glass were plastic, the rear window itself being removable. A 10mm thick Kevlar panel was installed underneath and a steel cage welded in for rollover protection. Two separate fuel tanks were used, one in the front with a 120-litre capacity and a 150-litre unit behind the seats. To optimise weight distribution, fuel could be pumped from one tank to another. Additional mandatory equipment that had to be carried included two extra wheels, a hydraulic jack, an air-pressure compressor, special tools, ten litres of drinking water, signalling mirrors, a compass, survival blankets, turbans, signal rockets, smoke bombs, sleeping bags, a normal and emergency radio transmitter, a first-aid box including snake and scorpion serum plus a towing rope and shovel. All told, the 953 weighed in at 1210kg, was geared for a maximum speed of 113mph and could climb a 45° gradient. Three 953’s were entered for the 1984 Paris-Dakar Rally, Roland Kussmaul and Erich Lerner finishing 26th, Jacky Ickx and Claude Brasseur in sixth whilst Rene Metge and Dominic Lemoyne had a relatively trouble-free run to win the event outright some two hours and eighteen minutes ahead of the second place Range Rover.