Al Drews and Canadian Milan Mazanec take on the 1989 Mint 400 desert race near Las Vegas, Nevada. Do you have any old desert racing photos that you would like to share? Via Canadian Off Road Racing On Ning.

Photo via L’Auto-Satisfaction
After the first world war, there was a number of new technology available. Although cars had been converted to half tracks in Russia for a number of years, Citroen perfected the conversion and started marketing them heavily. In 1924, Andre Citroen authorized a team of Citroen half tracks to cross Africa. Not only would this team be the first to cross Africa via automobile, but they would be the first to cross the dreaded Sahara desert via auto.




The expedition, which was 28,000kms long, was called the Croisiere Noire, or Black Cruise. The intent of the expedition was to spread the word about how tough the Citroen cars were around the world. To lead the safari, Citroen picked his best executive manager, Georges-Marie Haardt. His grand daughter describes him as a very stylish and disciplined man. Every man in the expedition would follow his example and was forced to shave and dress well, no matter what lay ahead.




Of course, crossing Africa would not come without problems. There was mechanical breakdowns, particularly tracks and chains. The tracks were metal and rubber. The rubber wore off quickly in the rough terrain and sand. However, the mechanics did what they had to in order to survive. If you cannot repair your vehicle in the Sahara, you are as good as dead.

The natives were another concern, as they were unpredictable. Some were helpful and happy to see the explorers. Others wanted to fight. Many of the natives remembered the bloodshed of colonialism.



At one point, the Governor of what is now Kenya forced 40,000 natives to build a 400 mile road through the jungle to the Capital Stanleyville. This immense task only took 45 days! On June 14, 1925, the party reached the Indian Ocean. Some went directly to the Island of Madagascar via ferry while others went south to South Africa and took a boat back to the island. On June 22,1925 they all celebrated reaching their final destination of the Capital of Madagascar.

A year later, the video of the expedition was released to the public, which turned out in droves. Everyone was enthralled by not only the movie, but also the displays of African art, animals and other artifacts.

The success of the Croisere Noire fuels Citroen’s interest in cross country expeditions. Even with signs of the recession coming in the not to distant future, he starts preparing for a venture across Asia. This expedition will be one of our next articles!

Luis sent us some photos of his 1948 Willys CJ2A. Luis, from Arouca, Portugal, purchased the Willys Jeep in 2007. It was not in running condition and was apparently from a fire department. A lot of the Portuguese Willys belonged to the Portugal army and a lot of them were used in the colonial war in Africa in the 1960′s. The restoration took about two years to complete with the help of a mechanic friend of Luis. They used original us made parts, most of which were purchased through Ebay.

We have to congratulate Luis and his friend on a job well done. Would you like to see your vehicle featured on Off Road Race Canada? Email photos and information to Wes.

I know it is late in the season, but who wants to go snow plowing in this old Dodge Power Wagon M-37? Via Power Wagon Advertiser

Indonesian based Djarum is the third largest manufacture of kretek (clove cigarette). It looks like they have some pretty awesome commercials! They have some great videography of Indonesia, Chile, and the rest of the world…it makes want to go travelling! Check them out below…what do you think?

Bronco Graveyard has the best fender cover in the industry! Made from heavy vinyl and reinforced softfoam anti-skid backing, so it won’t slide off even the slickest waxed surfaces. Offers a soft cushioned protection from tools and belt buckles. Plus, it’s grease and oil resistant for long life. Features the Bronco script logo and a black background.

What an awesome photo of a vintage Willys Jeep rusting away in the field. The photographer in me is wishing I was there to take some inspiring photos while the Willys Jeep fan in me is screaming for somebody to save this abandoned Willys. Via Jeep Forum

I came across these vintage Willys Air Force Jeep on G503. They are tagged ” Tachikawa airbase Japan fire chief”. The bumper mounted light and hardtop are very interesting. What I do not understand is if they were taken in Japan, why is there North American vehicles in the background? Plus, would they really had a person of Japanese descent as a Fire Chief on an United States Air Force base?

Bronco Graveyard has introduced a new steel reproduction rear gas tank for the 1971-76 Ford Bronco. This will also fit the 1966-1970 Ford Broncos with a longer vent hose. It is made just like the factory gas tank. OEM style sending unit lock ring design. The tank is 13 Gallon and measures 21″ x 20″ x 10″. Other parts that are recommended but not included are:
Sending Unit
Seal and Lock Ring
Fill Hoses
Skid Plate
Straps

Can you imagine travelling through the desert in this vintage looking Toyota FJ40? It sounds like one hell of a fine day to me! Via Ih8mud.com