Overland from Algiers to Cape Town
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AJOURNEY from Algiers to Cape Town has recently been made by four Italians travelling in a Fiat Campagnola, a 2-litre vehicle with fourwheel drive. The 9,500-mile trip was completed in 50 days, 16 of which were lost because of unfavourable conditions.
The party was led by Paolo Butti, a successful rally driver, who was accompanied by his wife, a mechanic and a newsreel cameraman. The Fiat towed a two-wheeled trailer weighing 25 cwt. laden.
The first stage of the journey was 2,360 miles across the Sahara, which was -completed -in 61 day's actual running time, Leaving Algiers on November 25, 1951, the party arrived in Kano, Nigeria, on December 1. In the open desert, the Fiat often had to be dug mit Of the sand. No progress could be made at night.
Continuing the itinerary towards Central Africa, several stops had to be made because of floods. A change of route had to be made through country never before penetrated by a Motor• vehicle. Later, waiting for river ferries accounted for some lost time.
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Butti cabled from Stanleyville, in the Belgian Congo, that the Fiat was still running well, its engine, bodywork and suspension being in good order after negotiating most arduous conditions. The last part of the trip through South Africa was accomplished without difficulty.
Butti's journey was not made as a record-breaking attempt. The EnglandCape Town record established in 1949 by an Austin A70 has recently been broken by a Hillman Minx which took just under 22 days. The driver was G. Hinclicliffe and he was accompanied lin !man, J. by