Here’s a great, National Geographic-style film about three men that, in 1940, attempted to drive what appears to be a stock Plymouth sedan from Washington D.C. to the tip of South America, along what was to become the Pan-American Highway.
In 1940, however, many parts of the road were nothing more than rugged mule trails. The men had to often drag their car (or have it dragged) over mountain passes and through rivers. It’s hard to believe they undertook the journey without the benefit of 4-wheel drive, a low-range transfer case, high-clearance suspension, or even off-road tires. When they weren’t on the trail, they were meeting dignitaries and reporting on culture and development. It’s charmingly civilized.
This film, Rough Road to Panama, chronicles the first half of the expedition. The companion film, Rugged Road to Cape Horn, which I have yet to find online in its entirety, covers the second half of the trip.
Read the rest of the entry to see parts 2 and 3 of Rough Road to Panama.
Hey, the video still of Part 1 looks like part of our logo. 🙂
Hat tip to Christian at Expedition Portal for posting that site’s forum.