The machinery
Toyota Land Cruiser 80. 1HD-FT, 24 valve, mechanical pump — nothing electronic to leave it dead in the sand. Ninety litres of spare diesel, because fuel is a long way apart down there. Old Man Emu springs, Tough Dog dampers — valved for what the truck actually weighs. BFGoodrich KO2 on steel rims: bend one on rock, beat it straight, carry on. Winch, kinetic lines, Sherpa compressor, ARB rack overhead. Inside: Escape Gear on the seats, a National Luna keeping the food cold, Petromax for cooking. And lately an espresso machine, because some standards travel.
Land Rover Defender 110, 300tdi. London–Dakar finisher. Several years of Saharan provenance, modified as the lessons arrived: Ashcroft gearbox and transfer box. An upgraded clutch — two deserts argued for it. A hybrid turbo lately, so the old engine breathes properly under weight. No air conditioning; the windows still work. And through all of it, the same Howling Moon tent on the roof.
The 80 leads the convoy. It is hot down there.
