Carkomplex will enter the 2026 Budapest–Bamako Rally with a car that’s so old, the United States had yet to enter World War II when it was built. The Budapest-based auto repair shop has restored a 1940 Buick Eight Special for the race, which begins next January. Race officials confirmed it will be the oldest car to ever compete in the Budapest–Bamako.

Introduced in 1936, the Eight Special marked Buick’s first time building an entry-level full-size car. The number in its name refers to the use of an straight-eight engine, which was in all Buick models for over two decades. The 1940 model in particular differed as it had a slightly longer wheelbase before new bodywork was developed for 1941.

The Special series would continue until 1969, when it had become a mid-size car.

The mechanics at Carkomplex began restoring the car in March 2024. Much of it is stock outside of some aftermarket components to help it handle the West African desert, and even those are removable so the car can revert to its original factory state afterward.

Team member György Romfa described the process as a “beautiful fulfillment of the car, considering it’s been covered in dust for decades.”

The Buick will compete in the Spirit category, where teams don’t have to pay the entry fee as long as their ride reflects the “original founding ‘spirit’ of the rally”.

The 2026 Budapest–Bamako Rally runs from January 23 to February 9.

UPDATE: The restoration began in March 2024 and not late 2023 as originally stated.