All you need for a successful safari is a Minor, says Hugh.
In 1965, I was a midshipman serving on HMS Eagle in the Indian Ocean. There were a few of us, and four of us decided that the next time we had time off in Mombasa we would go ‘on safari’ to the TSAVO game park. The time came. We borrowed camping kit from ship’s store, bought food, and I hired a car from a local garage in the town. It was a Morris Minor 1000 saloon. We set off, heading north-ish, using a map. Yes, a piece of paper with lots of coloured lines on it! The batteries last forever!
We spent three or four days following the animals and camping in ‘approved sites’ that ensured no unwanted wild visitors at night. It was a splendid experience. The car was reliable and went everywhere without complaint, demonstrating that there’s no need for a ‘super-blob SUV’ or indeed a 4x4 out in the bush. Even less so in Britain! The one regret? None of us had a camera – so no records of the event. Just happy memories.
Viva Las Luton
Great to see Martin Clark’s picture of the Viva HC he spotted in Chester. It reminded me of my first car – a1978 two-door 1300GLS in metallic blue. Registration number was BBM 638T.
Regrettably now, I traded it in back in 1994 for a Peugeot 205! I often wonder if it still survives somewhere in a garage or barn. Last log book issued back in July ’95.
