This Hyundai Tiburon rally car represents a remarkable chapter in modern American rally history, developed under the direction of legendary driver and team owner John Buffum and prepared by his highly successful Libra International Racing team. Far from a simple competition conversion, the car was built as part of Hyundai’s official U.S. rally program and reflects the engineering depth and experience of one of the most dominant teams in the discipline.

Extensively reworked for rally use, the Tiburon was converted from its original front-wheel-drive layout to a full all-wheel-drive configuration. It is powered by a 298-horsepower turbocharged Hyundai Beta engine, paired with a close-ratio competition gearbox, specialized differential, and racing clutch assembly. The package was completed with purpose-built suspension, braking, and rally-specific components designed to withstand the demands of top-level competition.

Under Buffum’s direction, the car proved its capabilities in period, securing overall rally victories in both 2002 and 2005, and establishing itself as a front-running machine within the American rally scene. Beyond individual wins, the Tiburon also played a key role as a championship-winning car on two occasions, underlining both its performance and durability at the highest level of competition.

The car was later selected to compete in the inaugural X Games Rally event held in Los Angeles in 2006, marking the first inclusion of rallying in the X Games. Driven by eight-time U.S. rally champion Paul Choiniere alongside co-driver Jeff Becker, it competed against an international field including names such as Colin McRae and Travis Pastrana. The event combined traditional rally stages with a stadium-based “Super Special,” bringing unprecedented visibility to the sport in the United States.

Offered today by Gem Classic Cars, this Tiburon stands as a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of factory-supported rally history. With documented competition pedigree, multiple rally victories, and championship success, it represents not only a highly developed competition machine but also an important artifact from a defining era of American rallying.