International Research Archives

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Hein & Family Explore Oz in a Jeep

• CATEGORIES: International, Reader Stories, Trips This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Hein, his wife and their daughter took a 16 day trip in September, 2010, into Australia’s Outback.  Hein provides this report and these images of his great adventure. If you missed it, one of their more memorable encounters was with the Camel Man, which I reported a few days ago.  Thanks for taking the time to share this with us Hein!

Hein writes, We had a Fantastic trip through the Outback, not totally without its “interesting” moments! We broke the trailer chassis completely on day 2,  blew a tyre in the middle of the desert and had to replace that, but the Jeep ran like clockwork trough some extremely harsh terrain.

Some of the roads were so corrugated that even with soft tyres we vibrated clean off the road at 20 to 40 kmh; then there were other sections where we plowed differential-deep trough clay and mud for hundreds of kilometres at a time, but all in the name of FUN!

We covered over 7,000 km (4350 miles) in the 2 weeks, 80% off sealed roads, and camped wherever we got to each day. The average fuel-consumption was just a fraction better than my 7.5 km/L expected, with the average price of fuel about $ 1.75 /L due to transport-costs to these remote locations.  It was certainly a trip to remember!

Day 1) We left Brisbane heading due-west trough some farming-country and camped on the bank of an abandoned road-quarry with looming rain-clouds Everywhere!

Day 2) It rained quite heavy during night.  We had to pack-up in the rain and head out further west into ever more sparsely populated areas, encountering the first of many roads closed or severely-damaged due to flooding.  As a result: the next town was already out of Fuel! The last 100 km of Adventure-Way into Innamincka was barely passable even in 4wd. We passed a few abandoned trucks already stuck axle-deep, pummeled by constant rain.

The light was fading and we had no idea where or if we are going to reach somewhere to sleep. Needless to say, the family was extremely Anxious and Scared! Well after dark we continued travelling, the road now an Absolute Quagmire that the Jeep can barely crawl trough in 2nd/3rd gear.

As we approached about the hundredth floodway (normally dry , now a Raging-River), this one more churned up than most by some previously-stuck truck, I had to really nurse and cajole the jeep to get trough. Slip, slide, bounce, repeat was the process until we barely make it up the opposite bank.

However, there was a casualty, the trailer now sat at a Very Disturbing angle. I launched myself out with the camera and ratchet-strap into the pouring rain and ankle-deep mud, with daughter crying and wife not looking too happy either.  Fortunately, my wife is a farm-girl and trusted that I would make a plan.  A few minutes later I had the trailer strapped together and we limped into town after another half-hour, and one last river-crossing, straight into the Hotel!

Day 3) With the trailer needing repair, I had to unload everything and find Kbong, a local Trucky with the only workshop in town.  After moving the family to a camp in the National Park across the river, I would spend the rest of the day cutting out the remains of the rusted and broken frame.  Then in the afternoon, I built a much-sturdier new, vastly-improved little red-trailer, from the only length of 2 1/2″ Square-tubing in town.  Then, I got to immediately test it by crossing the now flooding river to meet up with the family at the National Park!

Continue reading

 
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1955 CJ-3B? Andhra Pradesh, India 3Lakhs

• CATEGORIES: International This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

For our India readers, we have this Jeep for sale.  I don’t have any pics just yet.

“1955 willys for sale; price 3lakhs; interested contact 09440369911; original petrol hurricane engine in good running condition with up to date papers.”

 
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A Short Weekend Trip along the West Coast of South Africa

• CATEGORIES: International, Trips This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Claus reports that he and some friends enjoyed a short vacation recently and has some pics to share with us!

Claus writes, “We have finally done a short weekend trip up the West Coast of SA. Nothing hectic just 6 jeeps and 3 trailers going on a stroll. The route all together was about 220km, but it was just fun enjoy the ride and in the evening sitting around a camp fire and enjoying all jeep talk. Just therapeutic for the owners”

I asked Claus about the unusual stonework for the fireplace.  He informed me that, “The fireplace is built like that so it allows many people to “braai”. In the centre you make the big fire and then people can sit around it and scrape the hot coals from the centre out to the sides where you can braai or bbq your meat. So you always have a big fire in the middle so it continuously burns and provides hot coals. They don’t all look like that here. The camp site serves 6 tents so you can just all gather around one fireplace and be social.”  Learn about Braai here.

 
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Bruce Finds Some More Las Brisas Surreys

• CATEGORIES: DJ-3A, Features, International • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Bruce forwarded me these unusual and rare posts cards of some unusual Surreys (here’s a compilation of Surrey & DJ info). Bruce has attempted to contact the Las Brisas Manager to learn if they have a historian of sorts for their jeeps in use, but he hasn’t had any luck. If anyone has any Las Brisas connections, please let me know!  Thanks for sharing Bruce.

Check out the guy driving the jeep, a stick no less, carrying a tray of food!

Brian writes, “These 2 jeeps offer clues but also leaves one with more questions. The extended tub, tailgate, baby moon hubcaps, valance panels, and an absence of chrome bumpers.  Also, there was no date stamp on the card, but it looks to be from the late/early 50-60s.

On the back of the postcard, written in both English and Spanish, it reads Room service by jeeps- unique at hotel Las Brisas in Acapulco where every room a has it’s own pool.”

 
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Sebastian Returns from Colombia

• CATEGORIES: Features, International, Reader Stories • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I hadn’t heard from Sebastian for several months, so it was a nice surprise to get an email from him.  It turns out he just returned from a trip to his native country of Colombia.

Among his exploits on vacation was a 2 day trip in a CJ-3A with his dad that took them from Medellin to Bogota, covering nearly 400 km (about 250 miles) with elevations varying between 1300 ft to 8500 ft.

Sebastian provides images from his trip as the Flat Fender Club of Butler’s website.  I’ve linked to a couple below.  I’m hoping to sneak into his luggage on his next trip to Colombia — it’s a beautiful place.  Thanks for sharing Sebastian!

 
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1958 IKA Jeep JA-3UB Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, Argentina eBay

• CATEGORIES: International, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

The shipping on this from Argentina would be a killer — However, I can’t say I’ve ever seen these for sale in the US. You can learn more about the JA-3UB here (though the translation is rough).

View all the info on eBay

Here is an example of a IKA Jeep with an unusual soft top.

 
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1967 DKW Munga Troy, MI **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: International, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was $2995.

“Selling a 1967 DKW MUNGA jeep. These jeeps were manufactured by DKW, 1 of the 4 rings of the Auto Union. this car was imported from Europe a few years ago, it has a 1000cc 3 cylinder 2 stroke motor and is 4 wheel drive. the engine was running but was low in power ( and you need all you can out of the 1000cc engine to move the beast!). My mechanic tested it and the seals need to be replaced, i ordered the parts from Europe and they will be included. many in Europe were fitted with Ford V4 engines, Renault 12 engines or Opel 4 cylinder engine for more power.  You will surely be the only one on the block with a Munga. Also delivery can be made by plane, they were equipped with a parachuting hook! just in case! selling for $2995, that is less than the shipping and importing fees from Europe, must make room. Thank you for looking, contact me for more photos or info. Happy motoring. John”

 
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1977 Mitsubishi CJ-3B RHD Eugene, OR **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3B, International • TAGS: , , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

These don’t appear very often.  I’m not sure how easy, or not, they are to import into the US.

“This is a no-reserve auction for a super rare 1977 Mitsubishi Willys Jeep J54 Diesel  right hand drive in Immaculate condition. It has a professionally installed dual tank fuel system which means it can run on diesel or vegetable oil. The system was professionally installed and runs exceptionally  well. The Jeep also has new TA’s with less than a 1000 miles. The title is clear and clean. No rips or tears in the seats. No dents or body damage. Runs and drives excellent. Bikini top and doors included.”

 

 
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Mitsubishi J-52 Jacksonville, NC **SOLD**

• CATEGORIES: International, Other 4x4s, Unusual • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE: Was $9500 **SOLD**

This is an interesting jeep.  I am not familiar with the J-52, though I haven’t researched the early history of Mitsubishi.  The seller of this has been doing research of his own on this jeep for several years, as a post on the Willys M Jeeps forums as early as 2006 notes his search efforts.  The photos of this jeep are worth reviewing as it is a combination of some unusual features.  A quick search did reveal the J-53/54.  Finally, I found this table that shows the J-52 had the KE47 engine.

“Before I can get into the specifics of this little jeep, I feel I need to explain a little about it because there is very little information about the Mitsubishi J52 on the internet, and there are no photographs I can find depicting the body style like the one you see here. I found this one at a little jeep lot on Okinawa around 2006.  The dealer said it had come with a shipment of used jeeps from Tokyo.  I bought it and restored it there on the island, and the Government shipped it to the US as part of my household goods when my family and I returned from overseas.  I have had it since then and it has enjoyed local acclaim, appearing in several parades and winning “Best All Around” at a local car show.  All guys — and all little kids — absolutely love it!

It is my OPINION that this was one of the original Mitsubishi/Willys collaboration after WWII.  It’s a very early model J52, serial number “J52-00261”, and from this I believe the production number to be #261, or that this jeep was number 261 off the production line.  Because there are radio mount holes and radio table holes in the right rear fender, and because of the rifle mount racks present on the windshield frame, I believe this jeep to have been actually used and maintained by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces after the US stopped occupation in the early 1950’s.  It is also my opinion that they continued to use this jeep until 1973, when it was sold to the civilian market.  I believe this for two reasons:  first, the title says it’s a 1973 model; second, I can’t find a photograph of a 1973 Mitsubishi J52 that looks like this one.  (I also can’t prove a bit of this!)

This jeep was fully restored in 2006, everything was taken off the vehicle and repaired/restored/repainted; however, we did not take the tub off the frame.  I wish we had, because the channels are beginning to rust, and there are a few rust spots beginning to show around the door seams on the tub.  There is also some rust on the inner windshield frame where water collected underneath the glass and rusted it from the inside.  Other than those, there are a few very small bubbles beginning to appear, which I can point out to a serious bidder.  There is no rust on the floor pans or in the bed, the footpads are solid, the frame is undercoated and protected.  This is a solid jeep.

The engine is a Mitsubishi KE-47 gasoline powered four-cyliner.  It runs like a top and purrs like a kitten.  There are no oil leaks, compression is great.  Manual choke.  Transmission shifts great, three-speed with reverse.  Four-wheel drive and high/low transfer cases all work.  All lights work, although it has recently developed a dislike of high-beam headlights – sometimes they won’t come on and lows will have to do.  Front blackout lights work!  Fender-mounted blackout light is not connected.  Vacuum-powered wipers.

Canvas top was made on Okinawa by Mr. Shima, who used the old torn-up one as a pattern.  Seat pads are cordura and were made by Mr. Scott of Texas.

This jeep has been either carported or garaged since it’s been in the States.  Being in the military means moving a lot and sometimes it has had to do its “military share” by spending some time in the elements, but we have taken care of this jeep and it has meant a lot to our family.  We are headed back to Okinawa for another three years, and I think it’s time to send it on its way to another owner who will value and care for it.  If that’s you, you’re getting a good one and you can count on truthful answers to any questions you might have.”

 
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The Mitsubishi Prototype “Pajero”

• CATEGORIES: Features, International This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

This is the 1973 Mistubishi Prototype “Pajero”.  Unfortunately, I can’t remember where I found the photos.  Next to the wagon, is what I call the CJ-3B Wagon, but what Mistubishi called the CJ3B-J11, created in 1956. You can see a full version of it below.  Click here to see the Mitsubishi virtual museum.

 
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Shed of Dreams

• CATEGORIES: Features, International This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

A shed of dreams?  I came across the phrase while, as usual, searching for something else.

As best as I can put together, the shed was located in Greece and was full of old MBs, GPWs, Parts, and more. The Jeep Draw website has a large number of images showing rows of old jeeps. One pic shows at least 20 jeeps sitting 3 rows high.

According to Thomas Jacobson’s jeep website (which has some good jeep info), the  shed of dreams existed as late as 2001, as that is when Thomas visited the shed and took a whole bunch of pictures.

According to a discussion thread on the Steel Soldier’s website, the shed no longer exists as the jeeps have been sold.

Here is an example of one of Thomas’s images:

 
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1953 CJ-3B Hunter, NSW, Australia eBay

• CATEGORIES: CJ-3B, International • TAGS: , This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

UPDATE:  This is back on eBay

(01/26/2010) Here’s a right hand drive CJ-3B for all of our Australian readers .. if there are any?  This looks great.

“This is our 1953 restored Jeep, runs great,We live in the bush and it is not registered.New body,tyres,electrics,windscreen, fuel pump .radiator,canvas,brakes, plus many other parts.Always stored inside.A big box of spares available”

View the ebay ad here

 
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Toyota’s Jeep AK10 and Jeep BJ

• CATEGORIES: Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, International, Other 4x4s This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

As usual, searching for something unrelated to Toyota lead me straight to the Toyota BJ (I was searching through some automobile history).  I knew very little about the Toyota Land Cruiser history, so the threads I’ll share below were very interesting to me.  The pics all came from the IH8MUD.com website, where there are plenty more pics of both the AK10 and the BJ.

THE AK10

According to Wikipedia, in response to a request by the Japanese government, Toyota developed the AK10 in 1942.  Apparently there are few surviving images and no surviving vehicles.  You can view the AK10 discussion thread at the IH8MUD.com website.

JEEP BJ

Again, according to Wikipedia, in 1950 the Korean War created demand for a military light duty vehicle.  The United States Government asked Toyota to build 100 vehicles based on Willys specs.  The following year, Toyota designed the BJ prototype.  While longer and more powerful (6cyl) than the 1/4 ton jeep, the BJ had no low range.  The National Police Agency (NPA) was impressed enough to put in an order for the Jeep BJ’s, which became their official patrol vehicle.  The BJ would have 3 different Models, a Touring model (BJ-T), a Radio model (BJ-R), and a Fire Engine Capable Model (BJ-J) [technically, I suppose these would be the english equivalent translations …].

In 1954, Willys-Overland put pressure on Toyota to cease using the “Jeep” name.  Technical director Hanji Umehara had the responsibility to rename the vehicle.  Interestingly, rather than compete with the Jeep label, he chose to compete directly with the Land Rover label.  He notes, “I had to come up with a name for our car that would not sound less dignified than those of our competitors. That is why I decided to call it ‘Land Cruiser’.”

Here are several images of the BJ that I found on the IH8MUD site.  You can see many more here The Toyota BJ ‘Jeep’ thread at the IH8MUD.com website.

 
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A Few Images from a Modeling Contest in Spain

• CATEGORIES: Artists/Drawings, International, News This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Roberto‘s friend Javier de Luelmo took a few images of a scale modeling contest held at Torrent, Valencia, Spain (9 to 11th April 2010).  You’ll note Robert’s t-shirt design was a centerpiece!

 
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Jeep Images From Cuba via Tim

• CATEGORIES: Features, International, Old Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Many thanks to Tim from the WillysJeep.com site for sharing these unusual images. He notes he has many more.  I suspect over the next few months as the site grows it will become an important library of information.  Thanks Tim!

The timing of these photos is fascinating, as early 1959 was the ending of the Cuban Revolution and the assumption of control of Cuba by Castro.  Based on a few searches I just completed, it appears Fidel was a fan of jeeps and there are multiple references of him riding in a jeep.

And, in the last photo, that is Fidel himself.

Here’s a pic I’d like to get.  After recieving the pics from Tim, I did a little research.  Here is a video of an image of Fidel and Che Guerva posing in a Jeep in April of 1959. Unfortunately, I do not understand what the narrator is saying.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-rg8DEFuhE

 
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Sebastian Visits Colombia and Brings Back Pics

• CATEGORIES: International • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

As the eWillys Senior Envoy to Colombia, Sebastian continues to bring back some great pics and information. This time he’s posted them at the Flat Fender Club of Butler’s website.  Below are a few of them. Thanks Sebastian!

 
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Jeep Clubs in Pakistan

• CATEGORIES: International, Website This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Right in the middle of drafting a post about DJ-3As vs Galas vs Surreys, the internet managed, once again, to derail my efforts.  In the middle of doing a picture search,  I stumbled upon the Islamabad Jeep Club.  Hmm .. that’s in Pakistan … could that really be a jeep club?   Not only is it a jeep club, it is one of the three clubs from Pakistan on the internet with sites published entirely in English.

I admit, this is something I didn’t expect.  I admit, despite my attempts not to preconceive, my entire conception of Pakistan is desert, Camels and a mirror of Afghanistan — a montage of movies and news footage.  That was my view of Pakistan.

Here’s a video from 2008:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mt6hwbkmG0

Now I’ve learned there’s more. So, for your educational pleasure, below are snapshots from each of the three websites I found in Pakistan and a pic of the wide range of 4wd vehicles that attend the Islamabad Jeep Club events.  You’ll see a wide mix of old flatties, new 4wd vehicles, and everything in between. Finally, while checking out the Offroad Pakistan websites, I ran across a wonderful post about the rebuilding of a Ford F1 from California, which I cover in the post below this one.

Lahore 4wd Jeep Club

lahore_4wd_club

4×4 Offroaders Club Karachi

offroad_pakistan

Islamabad Jeep Club:

islamabad_jeep_club

And, from the Islamabad Jeep Club, comes this photo that shows the wide range of vehicles that are in their club and/or attend their events.  You can view more photos here.

islamabad_jeep_playday

 
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Here’s some pics from Europe

• CATEGORIES: International, War Images This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I never get tired of looking at old jeep pics.  These came from this Italian site:  http://www.vignaclarablog.it/200909167279/a-caccia-vecchi-cimeli-militari-a-roma-nord-dodge-willis/

ww2_blackwhite_france

ww2_blackwhite_france2

ww2_blackwhite_france3

ww2_blackwhite_italy

 
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Ebro Trucks from a Jeep Pickups website

• CATEGORIES: Features, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, International, Unusual This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Here’s some a couple great pics of an early Ebro Cameador.  You can view more images at http://www.angelfire.com/nb2/jeeppickups/Ebro.html.

Jeeps first started being assembled in Spain in 1952 by a company called VIASA, which means Vehículos Industriales y Agrícolas, S.A in spanish. I am not sure if VIASA ever made pickups, as I cannot find any records of them being produced. However, in the late 1970’s VIASA was absorbed into EBRO, another spanish company. The only pickup that I know of produced by EBRO was called the Campeador. It was a forward control pickup available in either single or double cab version, which was called the Duplex, as well as a van, called the Toledo/Furgon. At some time, Hotchkiss in France also produced these vehicles, but I can’t find any pictures of them. Production of these vehicles was from 1971-1985 in France.  The Ebro name was discontinued in 1980.

ebro_jeeps

brochure_ebro_van

 
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Jeepandmedic.com — One Family’s Jeep Collection

• CATEGORIES: GPA (SEEP), International, toys, Website This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Jeepandmedic.com is a great little website that features a French (?) family that is busy collecting jeeps (GPA, GP, Hotchkiss …) and more.  It appears to be a total family affair.  Their collection of jeep pedal vehicles is particularly interesting.  The collection of book titles is worth reviewing as well.

Below are a few of the pedal jeeps. Note the last pic where they are hanging in a garage above what appears to be the Seep covered in canvas.

pedal_jeeps_jeepandmedic

 
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EarlyMB.com — has moved

• CATEGORIES: International, Website This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

1942_mb_davidUPDATE: David wrote to tell me he is moving his website to earlymb.webs.com. So update your bookmarks.  His move is a result of the geocities shutdown.

The earlymb.com website snuck up on me.  I didn’t think there was much here, but the more I dug, the more I found.  There’s an extensive book list, link list, a list on the differences between a GPW and MB, a list on the differences between an MB and a Hotchkiss M201, pics and more.

The website’s owner, David appears to live in the Netherlands. He shows many pics from a jeep he restored, but it doesn’t appear to be the same jeep that’s on the front page.

I tested a few of the links for the list of links, and at least some were out of date.

 
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Builds: Filandia, Columbia

• CATEGORIES: Builds, International This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Sebastian has forwarded a couple great pics from Columbia.  I love the colorful jeeps against the colorful buildings.  Thanks!

He writes, ” I received these Pictures from a very good friend. They are from a small town called “Filandia”. This is a typical picture of these kinds of towns, many Willys (especially CJ-3Bs) group in the middle of the town, next to the stores so people use them as taxis after buying groceries. As you can see they are pretty much stock even though some modifications have been done to improve performance. Keep in mind this is not a Willys ride, a car show, or anything like that; it is just s typical day in Filandia. The pictures only show a few, but you can usually see more than 20 together. Their drivers have been doing this for so many years and usually with the same vehicles. They always tell you they will never sell their Willys since they have provided a way of living for almost 50 years. Finding a Willys in Colombia is no problem, finding someone willing to sell it is a different story. Enjoy.

finlandia1_small

finlandia2_small

 
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Willys Colombia

• CATEGORIES: International, Website This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

Sebastian forwarded me the Willys Colombia website.  I realized I couldn’t find it because I was spelling Colombia wrong (my spelling:  Columbia).  I have now corrected all the other posts as well.  Ooops.

Anyway, there’s lots of great pics.  One section includes the official Guinness Book of Records Photos from the parade are there too.  However, one thing I haven’t determined is exactly how many jeeps were there.  I have seen the figures of approximately 300 jeeps and of approximately 370.  I tried to search Guinness, but had no luck.  Here’s a few of the pics.

willys_columbia_parade

 
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Camino de la Muerte

• CATEGORIES: International This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

I’ve been sick the past couple days and have been watching way too much poor quality TV.  However, I did manage to find a great Discovery Channel show about the Camino de la Muerte (the Road of Death) that runs from La Paz, Bolivia, to a height of 15,000 feet and then downhill into the Yungas region of Bolivia.  In 1995, the Inter-American Development Bank listed the road as the most dangerous road in the world, with an average of 100 – 300 deaths a year (various sites were reporting differing averages). This page has a large number of pictures of the road.

Based on the Discovery Channel show, I can see why it’s dangerous, but I have to say it was hard to take the driver/narrator of the show seriously when he indicated being frightened.  After all, it is a flat road, albeit with a steep drop off to one side.  Just drive slowly and you’ll be fine. I guess I’ve been on enough hair raising, difficult jeep trails that I find it hard to take the ‘fear’ portion of the road of death seriously.

That said, if I ever do my round-the-world jeep trip, it will be high on my list of must visit roads.

Below is an image that was part of an article about Bolivia, however a reader named Allen identified it from a Warn Winch Ad, as seen on this page.  It was taken on a formerly narrow section of the Black Bear Pass Road.

bolivia_jeep_cliff

 
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The German Schwimmwagen

• CATEGORIES: Features, GPA (SEEP), International, Other 4x4s, Unusual • TAGS: This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.

On the heals of yesterday’s GPA, I thought I’d do a brief shout out to the Schwimmwagen.  You can read more and see more pics about the Schwimmwagen at Brian’s site. Here’s a pic (below) from July 12 1944 (from Brian’s site as well).  Here’s some youtube videos.

schwimmwagen2