In the world of classic cars, few have such a storied history as Thingi, the 1974 VW Type 181 Kubelwagen that has become the beloved companion of adventurers Tom Bishop and Dave Taylor.
Last year, their journey across Africa took them to the Tropic of Capricorn, and they turned around at Victoria Falls.
But this year, their journey was even more adventurous – venturing further to the Equator and back, as part of the iconic The African Rally. The African Rally, a renowned event known for its diverse array of vehicles – from purpose-built off-road machines to, of course, the quirky and unexpected. And in the midst of it all, Thingi – the unassuming yet tenacious Kubelwagen – stood out as one of the most memorable entries.
The rally began at Hartbeespoort Dam. From there, the convoy crossed the Beit Bridge border into Zimbabwe, heading towards the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Then it was on to Lake Kariba, an iconic landmark, before they continued their journey northward. The next major stop was the southern end of Lake Malawi which marked the rally’s midway checkpoint.
However, the true spirit of the rally was displayed as Thingi and its drivers pushed on toward the Serengeti in Tanzania, before crossing into Kenya to reach the final destination at Lake Victoria. “This stretch of the rally is as much about the journey as it is about the destination, with participants navigating some of the most challenging terrain on the planet,” Tom and Dave said.
The return journey was just as remarkable. As they made their way back home, Tom and Dave decided to take a more relaxed route. “We followed the Equator, crossing through several countries, and made a detour to marvel at Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Along the way, we also visited Zanzibar – a tranquil escape before continuing our trek.”
Their journey then took them back through Malawi and into Mozambique via the Tete border, and then through Swaziland and Lesotho, where they conquered the infamous Sani Pass.
“The Sani Pass, a notorious stretch of road that winds through the mountains, proved to be a particularly difficult challenge for Thingi. Thingi faced its toughest test yet as the steep inclines and rugged terrain pushed it to its limits.”
But true to its nature, Thingi powered through.
Through every twist and turn of their journey, Tom and Dave used their travels to raise awareness for important causes. “This year’s rally was dedicated to the Take Back Our Mountains initiative, aimed at conserving and protecting the mountain ecosystems of South Africa,” they explained.
In addition to its rally fame, Thingi has become a bit of a legend in South Africa. In Hermanus, where Tom has a holiday home, locals often spot the distinctive Kubelwagen cruising around the Overstrand. It’s a familiar sight, a reminder of the adventure and spirit that Thingi and its owners embody.
The car is also well-known in Cape Town, where it was once owned by a lecturer at the University of Cape Town (UCT). In fact, during a visit to Komatipoort in Mpumalanga, Tom and Dave were even recognised by a local resident who fondly recalled seeing the vehicle during his student days at UCT – a testament to Thingi’s lasting legacy. The African Rally, and Thingi’s role in it, is a celebration of the indomitable spirit of adventure. This legendary vehicle, with its rich history and unforgettable journeys, continues to inspire all who encounter it – whether on the road or through the stories that have been shared along the way.. To raise even more money for “Take back our Mountains” Dave and Tom raffled off a tool kit and Johan Myburgh from Vermont was the lucky winner. Johan now boasts a complete 60- piece chrome vanadium steel Gedore Tool kit, kindly sponsored by The Crankhandle Club (Cape Town). Johan entered the competition at the Classic Car Show during the Whale Festival.
