EXPEDITION SAHARIENNE for MVCG Languedoc.
That last April that the three Jeeps MVCG Languedoc Roussillon, in partnership with the Association SAHARIENS have made a journey of nearly 2000 km, to the sands of southern Tunisia.
The convoy:
It was thus composed:
1 Jeep Willys Early (March 1942)Usually version SAS, and "unmarked" for the occasion. 1 Jeep Ford(March 1944) and 1 Hotchkiss Jeep M201. So, three manufacturers were represented ! Note that the vehicles were voluntarily without tags, stars and, by "diplomatic concerns".
2 Toyotas HDJ 80 , Africa prepared.
The convoy included for a total of 5 vehicles, This represents a maximum during a trip trans-Saharan off-piste, the 5th vehicle already hard pressed to proceed through "plowed" by the previous 4.
The purpose:
The interest was felt that a Jeep was actually capable of doing in the Sahara "hard", in original configuration. Guy Tourreilles, customary raids Saharan Land Rover and owner of the jeep SAS, really wanted to test the capabilities of a Jeep crossings, overloaded and in extreme conditions, as have experienced the SAS of the 2nd World War. Claude Mauclère, Maryse Couderc and a handful of friends of the association have shared this journey Saharan "study".
L’itinéraire:
It was chosen deliberately difficult, totally off-track, through the dunes for the most part "meaning cons" (Dune, built by the prevailing wind, There is always a face firmer, wind-packed, and a very soft side, made of sand fell as rain on the other side. Généralement, avoided crossings of this side, beaucoup trop mou).
Préparation :
Jeeps, although wholly revised, were not deliberately not "changed" during their preparation, by purist collector! Only the rims and tires military combat were replaced by wheels and tires Kleber Hotchkiss TRT, excellent in the sand. Each car was equipped with an expansion tank (the collection) , The jerry cans, 1 to 2 spare wheels, 4plaques de désensablage, Excavators, straps, 1Therefore lot of spare parts and tools, matériel radio, maps GPS, add water, nourriture, wherever, tents and sleeping for 2 passengers. To increase independence without burdening more gear, 2Toyota HDJ 80 will follow, carrying much of their drinking water and jerry cans of extra gasoline.
From Perpignan to Marseille, then boat to Tunis. Welcome on African soil; curiosity and sympathy. Road to Douz, small town close to the desert. It is a big step, probably the hardest! 600km of trafficking, just a pose fuel. Arriving late at night. The first problems are there: The dynamo of the Ford dropped in the early evening. Several hours on African roads, by dark and cold, no lights, wedged between the front and a jeep Toy 80 behind to be seen ... Nice experience! Arriving in Douz, Ford narrowly avoided the same accident, Private brake suddenly in full descent (rupture of a hydraulic pipe on the foredeck); A few short hours of sleep later, repair in the early morning circuit brake and reverse battery with the Willys, which will recharge the batteries throughout the trip. This ride will be operated every 2 / 3 days.
Check finally TIMBAÏNE, and the first passages seriously, then direction ER RECHED (a North / South, Connoisseurs will appreciate) some of the most technical and difficult raid, then to Fort KSAR GHILANE, where they will be greeted with applause from drivers of 4 × 4 arrived earlier today, surprised to see friendly and reach the fort by the dunes and not by the track. Ksar Ghilane is one of the historical, where General Leclerc and his strength The winner out of a tough battle against Rommel and his Africakorps in 1943. (It is from this event, Taken before the Kufra and Bir Akeim , the Free French were finally taken seriously by the Allies). Some pictures at the monument,"Dressed" for all our friends collectors, and return to the tar and civilization, by MATMATA. Finally, rise to Tunis, boat, Marseille and Perpignan, head full of memories (and sand !).
