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I recently attended the New York Auto Show. And in case you were wondering, this trip was personally funded (i.e. NOT paid for by any manufacturer). Here are some of my key takeaways. VERY FEW CAR COMPANIES ARE RUN BY ENTHUSIASTS I’m quite certain that many car companies, nay, most car companies, have had an identity crisis over the past decade. Do we build petrol? Diesel? Hybrid? Hydrogen? Electric? And in that massive state of flux and indecision, most seem to have fluffed their product lineup and created ostensibly boring, heartless vehicles. I mean, by their very nature, electric vehicles are essentially heartless, as they have no singular fuel-burning engine. Instead, they have four little motors wired up to a supercomputer. So for a car enthusiast, it’s hard to get properly excited. Then there’s the range anxiety in Australia, plus the inefficiency when towing or accessorising. One company noticeably bucked the ‘boring’ trend in The Big Apple. Ford. I know what you’re thinking - “Pat, you’re sponsored by the buggers, quit talkin’ nice about them” and truthfully, I did spend more time on their stand than any other. But man, talk about something for everybody. Let’s list a few notables. A Mach-E Rally car, available to buy from your dealer. Think Dakar 911, in an EV. Dirt road rubber, a slight lift…
In the vast landscapes of Australia, few names resonate with the spirit of exploration as profoundly as Len Beadell. Often dubbed the “last true Australian explorer,” Len’s contributions to mapping and road-building in remote Australia are unparalleled. His stories of ingenuity, perseverance, and raw Aussie grit continue to inspire adventurers and 4X4 enthusiasts alike. Early Life and World War II Service Born in 1923 in West Pennant Hills, New South Wales, Leonard Beadell’s affinity for the outdoors was evident early on. His surveyor father nurtured young Len’s fascination with the bush. But it was World War II that shaped his destiny. Serving as a surveyor and a reconnaissance officer, Len mastered the art of navigation, honing skills that would serve him well in later years. Post-war Australia was a time of exploration, ambition, and nation-building. The British and Australian governments, eager to test atomic weapons, set their sights on the vast, uninhabited expanses of the outback. But there was a hitch – how do you access such remote sites? Enter Len Beadell. Selected to scout test sites, Beadell faced the daunting task of surveying and building roads across some of Australia’s most inhospitable terrains. With a small team – the Gunbarrel Road Construction Party – and equipped with a grader, bulldozer, and supply trucks, Len embarked on an epic journey…
Let’s be real for a minute here, the tracks we travel throughout this great country are only part of the appeal of touring. It’s the stunning landscapes, the time with good mates, those once-in-a-lifetime sunsets, and near the top of the list has to be good eats. Yep, campfire cooking is the perfect opportunity for 4X4ers to push their culinary skills to the limit. Sam West from Club 4×4 Insurance came along on a recent filming run, and while he’s a top bloke to have a yarn with, and even more of a whiz on the insurance front, when that man dons an apron he means business. Here’s the epic Pad Thai he knocked together for a slice of gourmet living in a million-star hotel. Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe is built around easy-to-find ingredients that pack a punch in terms of flavour: – Rice noodles, the backbone of this dish, provide a tender and satisfying texture. – Aromatic base ingredients: chilli (to taste), 4 cloves of garlic, and a tablespoon of finely chopped lemongrass, setting the stage for an unforgettable flavour profile. – Finely chopped shallots and coriander, adding a fresh and vibrant touch. – One chicken breast, sliced into thin strips, offering lean protein to…
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