Leyland Brothers 1972 trip up Cape York

[Briar]

Just found this. Fantastic footage. When I saw this as a kid I wanted a 4WD, and especially a Land Rover. I've been to Cape York and driven the Jardine (in 1988 so 16 years after this), however, my trip was nothing as difficult as what the Leyland's had to do. These guys are legends. Very enjoyable.

cape york 1972, leyland brothers world, condensed story - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdc0cbcWBEo)

[Slunnie]

That's worth a watch. I knew they were pretty hard core with their adventures, but they way they crossed the Jardine was insane!

After it I also watched the video from Norm Needham which was really good also. He travelled it in a Landcruiser, but the journey looked fantastic also. Norm floated the 4WDs across the rivers using polystyrene which they carried on the roofs and seemed to use the same tyres as Mike and Mal Leyland. I wondered why they were all swimming in the rivers up there, they didn't seem to have a care in the world about crocs... Norm explained that one also.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-vQ2W4Lx3c

Certainly when I was up there, we did things a lot lot easier than the Leyland Bros in 72 and Norm in 75.

[Rangier Rover]

One of those vehicles still is in captivity

[Briar]

One of those vehicles still is in captivity

I know that one of the vehicles the Leyland Brothers used on their trip across Australia in 1966 still exists. It's in the Birdwood Museum in SA. However, I wasn't aware that one of the Cape York vehicles was. I have obtained a small part of the Leyland's trip across Australia from 1966. I have the envelope that contained a letter they sent to Dr David Manners from Giles Meteorological Station in 1966 AND their book of that trip (Where Dead men Lie), signed by Mike and Mal and dedicated to Dr Manners for helping them with their trip. Dr Manners helped the Leylands with all their medical stuff for that trip.

[JDNSW]

I can perhaps do better - I actually appear in the book!

[Briar]

I can perhaps do better - I actually appear in the book!

Very cool John. Where do you appear in the book. I'd love to read.

[pop058]

One of those vehicles still is in captivity

Hey Mate, long time no hear. This one ???


172066

[JDNSW]

Very cool John. Where do you appear in the book. I'd love to read.

Me and my twin brothert appear in the first couple of pages of Chapter 17 (pp134-35 hardback).

[Briar]

Me and my twin brothert appear in the first couple of pages of Chapter 17 (pp134-35 hardback).

"Into the Killer Desert"- Very nice John. A few images for your viewing pleasure. Envelope is postmarked 16th June 1966 at Alice Springs. Was sent by Leylands from Giles that went out on plane. Should I get the chance to meet you John, I'd get you to sign the book as well. John, just saw in your info that you are in Central West. I'm in Bathurst.

172077172078172079

[JDNSW]

Not that far from Bathurst. You are welcome to drop over for a visit, just PM me for directions and to arrange a convenient time.

[DeeJay]

[QUOTE=pop058;3094059]Hey Mate, long time no hear. This one ???


172066

Looks to be the real McCoy.
172734



172733

[pop058]

One of those vehicles still is in captivity


Hey Mate, long time no hear. This one ???


172066


[QUOTE=pop058;3094059]Hey Mate, long time no hear. This one ???


172066

Looks to be the real McCoy.
172734



172733

Rangier Rover speaks the truth [biggrin]

[Robmacca]

Arrhh... back in the days when the Cape was remote and CLEAN... free of all the human waste that now lies around everywhere... The Clean old days...

[vernonbain]

The fact that these vehicles were made to do these kind of stuff since the past just amazes me.