By the time these words are printed, my G-Wagen, nudging 50,000 miles on the clock, nearly all of which have been accumulated going to, from, or in the Sahara, will be coming up to its tenth birthday. Even on close inspection it’s hard to tell that it’s more than about six months old.
The Type 461 G-Wagen—what I call the civil engineers’ version—was just the start. A hellofa good start, but something of a primed and well-stretched blank canvas for expedition work. When I ordered it, I knew I would be busy. Electrics, navigation, tyres, wheels, tie-downs, racks, security, insulation, and ventilation all clamoured for priority on the ‘to do’ sheet.’
Gilding the Lily
1. The spectre of a flat battery after a night using interior lights for cooking, chores,…