This gallery includes the vehicles owned by Encounter Overland between 1964 and 2001. It may not be complete. Photographs are not available for all vehicles. Please advise of any errors or additional vehicles using the Contact form or by email to Lance Thomas at EncounterOverlandArchives@gmail.com. Photos can be sent to the email account.
In brief:
- The gallery begins with the ‘original‘ Encounter Overland Land Rover driven by Harry Marsh and Tony Jones to the subcontinent in 1964.
- Austin K9s were the first vehicles used when Encounter Overland began operating in 1967. K9s were used in both Asia and for the first Trans-Africa Southbound. These could carry 12 Expedition Members (EMs).
- Two Land Rovers were driven to India and then shipped to Malaya in 1969 to operate reconnaissance expeditions in Southeast Asia.
- 4×4 Bedford RLs and M-types then became the mainstay of the fleet in Asia and Africa during the 1970s and 1980s. RLs were first used in Africa. These carried 20 EMs. A Land Rover painted in EO colours was used on one of the early Africa three-truck expeditions. Most M-types were fitted with a 330ci engine and a four-speed gearbox. Two M-types, LLK183K (possibly later re-registered as Q43MPP) and SBH441W were fitted with 466ci engines and five-speed gearboxes. Both were used solely in Asia.
- Many of the M-types were re-registered as ‘Q reg’ vehicles in the latter part of the 1980s. This was because in the United Kingdom the last letter of the registration number signified the vehicle’s first year of registration, and some vehicles, by that metric, were quite old, notwithstanding they were regularly refurbished in the workshops to a ‘better than new’ standard.
- Two 6×4 vehicles based on Bedford KM chassis were built by EO. These could each carry 24 EMs and were used only on the Trans-Asia expeditions.
- In the late 1980s/1990s 4×4 Bedford TLs were built for Africa. 4×2 Bedford TLs and Ford Cargo’s were built for Asia.
- In the late 1970s rafting expeditions were started in Nepal on the Trisuli and Sun Kosi Rivers
- Two 4×4 Bedford RLs were shipped from the United Kingdom to South America for the first South and Central America Reconnaissance expeditions. These were then replaced by 4×2 vehicles – a Dodge 500, a GMC, Dodge Hi-Line’s, a Bedford KM, a Bedford TL, and later Ford Cargo’s. All vehicles except the GMC were built in the UK and shipped to the Americas. The GMC was built in California.
- Only the first two expeditions in South America included Central America. Central America expeditions were run as a separate program. A Dodge Van was purchased to operate these expeditions but ultimately proved unsuitable. The Bedford KM was built for Central America but later shipped to South America.
- For a time Encounter Overland operated Coral Island Safaris using a yacht named Gypsy (shortened from the original Gypsy Gay.)
- Coaches were used for the Himalaya Overland and later Sundowners Overland Odysseys Asia overland journeys. A Sundowners coach program also operated in South America.
- Encounter Overland had several support vehicles in the UK, Nepal, California and South Africa.
The original Encounter Overland vehicle of 1964 – Land Rover 2191NX
Asia and Africa Trucks
Austin K9s
The two original Austin K9s used on the Encounter Overland expedition to Asia in 1967 were YNK229F and YNK230F. They were then in their original military livery. These photos show them being overhauled at Wren Park.
YNK229F being prepared for overhaul. Hector Rumball on left and Rob Rumball on right
YNK229F front and YNK230F at rear
YNK229F
Selection/training expedition to Iran, Spring 1969
This was the start of Encounter Overland’s first selection/training trip – to Iran, Spring, 1969 – led by Stuart Jenkins. The photo was taken at Dover. (YNK229F had just returned from a North Africa (Morocco, Algeria) trip led by Tony Weldon and Jonathan Kickham.) Chris Marks on the far left.
YNK229F sank through the crust in the salt desert in Iran – the Dasht-e Lut . After 24 hours digging the truck still could not be extracted. Eventually, a tractor was found to pull it out. Standing on the left is Stuart Jenkins eating beans from a can, Larry Weiss is standing next to Stuart and on the far right is Larry, a freelance photographer from the USA. Clive Imrie is seated in the back of the truck.
YNK229F sank through the crust in the salt desert in Iran – the Dasht-e Lut . After 24 hours digging the truck still could not be extracted. Eventually, a tractor was found to pull it out. Larry Weiss is standing next to the truck; Martin Hayes is on the right.
YNK230F
JNM667F
JNM667F second from left
JNM667F (centre) in military livery
JNM668F
JNM668F in front of Wren Park workshop under construction
JNM668F leaving Wren Park 1968 (Adrian Mortimer driving, with Bernard Allen and Hector Rumball)
JNM669F
KBM345G
KBM345G being prepared for 18 June 1969 departure for Calcutta. Finishing touches being applied by Martin Hayes. (See Vaculug’s International Review magazine (Autumn 1969)
KBM346G
Encounter Overland’s first Trans-Africa expedition
KBM346G being prepared for 18 June 1969 departure for Calcutta. (See Vaculug’s International Review magazine (Autumn 1969) On the wheel brace is Peter Hobbs, Manager of Briggs National Tyre Service, Bedford
Encounter Overland’s first Trans-Africa expedition – with Tony Jones (probably dressed up for an embassy visit!)
Other Austin K9 photos
JNM668F, JNM667F and YNK229F at Wren Park 1968 (Tony Jones)
213TM (Trade Plates)
Southeast Asia Land Rovers
Two Land Rovers (KXE4D and KUV882D) were driven overland as part of Asia expeditions to Kathmandu and then on to Madras, India. They were shipped to Southeast Asia to run the Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos reconnaissance expeditions starting in December 1969.  Only the two reconnaissance expeditions were run. The vehicles were sold in Penang, Malaysia.
KXE4D (grey)
KXE4D was shipped from Madras to Penang to run the first reconnaissance expedition.
The back of KXE4D can just be seen on the left of the photo. It travelled with two Austin K9s which departed London for Kathmandu on 9 September 1969.
KUV882D (green and cream)
KUV882D departed London on 11 October 1969 and was shipped from Madras to Singapore later to join KXE4D in Penang for the second reconnaissance expedition. No photos of this Land Rover are currently available.
Bedford RLs
223BGF
223BGF South of In Salah December 1976 (Bob Arnold driving)
223BGF – Bogged at Oasis at El Golea December 1976
223BGF – First Africa Northbound 1972
223BGF – First Africa Northbound 1972
224BGF
225BGF
225BGF Northbound Africa 1973 (EM Gavin Robertson)
225BGF Northbound Africa 1973 (EM Gavin Robertson)
225BGF Northbound Africa 1973 (EM Gavin Robertson)
225BGF Northbound Africa 1973 (EM Gavin Robertson)
225BGF Northbound Africa 1973 Joburg departure (EM Gavin Robertson)
225BGF Northbound Africa 1973 – Agadez (EM Gavin Robertson)
226BGF
Africa Northbound September 1975 led by Freddy Glaser (who left the trip in Nairobi and handed over to John Scully), Bob Sheldon, Alan Townsing. The photo was taken mid-November 1975 between Yambio and Zemio, Central African Empire (between Juba and Bangassou)
230BGF
DHV541H
NAH814F
NAH814F (on right) (Rein Kamar)
NAH814F (EM Rod Jenkin) 1977 Eastbound Asia
NAH814F (EM Rod Jenkin) 1977 Eastbound Asia meets Westbound SVC339H
NMJ259M
NMJ259M First Africa Northbound 1972 (Alfred Glaser)
NMJ259M First Africa Northbound 1972 (Alfred Glaser)
PMJ306J
PMJ308J
PMJ311J
RXP586
RXP586. Photo taken on Kathmandu – London expedition (24 August 1976 departure) Driver Phil Colbert (EM Christine Roberts)
RXP586. Photo taken on Kathmandu – London expedition (24 August 1976 departure) Driver Phil Colbert (EM Christine Roberts)
RXP586. Photo taken at Kathmandu Guest House on departure day 24 August 1976. Driver Phil Colbert (EM Christine Roberts)
RXP586. Photo taken on Kathmandu – London expedition (24 August 1976 departure) Driver Phil Colbert (EM Christine Roberts)
RXP586. Photo taken at Ostende waiting for ferry for the UK at end of a Kathmandu – London (24 August 1976 departure. Driver Phil Colbert (EM Christine Roberts)
RXP597
NOVATEK CAMERA
SDD513G
TMJ151K
TMJ151K – Africa Southbound September 1971 Near San Sebastian (Spain), Tony Jones driving (by David Hardham)
TMJ151K – Africa Southbound September 1971 -Tademait plateau, Sahara desert (by David Hardham)
TMJ151K – Africa Southbound September 1971 – Congo (by David Hardham)
TMJ151K – Africa Southbound September 1971 – southern France (by David Hardham)
TMJ151K – Africa Southbound September 1971 – Sahara desert (by David Hardham)
TMJ151K – Africa Southbound September 1971 – Congo 2 (by David Hardham)
TMJ151K – September 1973 Africa Northbound (3) (Michael Hunt (EM))
UPX85K
Bedford 4×4 M-Types
AOR621J
AOR622J
BVS967T (registration was LUR975P until August 1978)
LUR975P – note the wrong number (579) on the painted registration
LUR975P Kathmandu-London May 1976 (driver Ian Way) (EM Graeme Wykes)
LUR975P Kathmandu-London May 1976 (driver Ian Way) (EM Graeme Wykes)
LUR975P Kathmandu-London May 1976 (driver Ian Way) (EM Graeme Wykes)
LUR975P Kathmandu-London May 1976 (driver Ian Way) (EM Graeme Wykes) meeting GNM152F
LUR975P Kathmandu-London May 1976 (driver Ian Way) (EM Graeme Wykes)
LUR975P Kathmandu-London May 1976 (driver Ian Way) (EM Graeme Wykes) at Bamiyan
LUR975P Kathmandu-London May 1976 (driver Ian Way) (EM Graeme Wykes)
LUR975P Kathmandu-London May 1976 (driver Ian Way) (EM Graeme Wykes)
LUR975P Kathmandu-London May 1976 (driver Ian Way) (EM Graeme Wykes) with Penn Overland coach
LUR975P Kathmandu-London May 1976 (driver Ian Way) (EM Graeme Wykes)
BVS967T
BVS967J stuck in the river at Bangui, January 1984 (Jeremy Cattell)
BVS970T
Angus Scott-Knight examining the damage after a blowout
GLP200J
GLP203J
GLW919J
GUR527T (Gurty)
HMG820K
JNM600V
JNM600V – on promotion
JNM600V Chennai, November 1989 (Glynn EM)
JNM600V and SBH441W at Sonamarg, Kashmir
JNM601V
JNM603V
JNM603V (Melanie Henwood (EM))
LLK183K
NRB956J
Note: The following trucks with Q registrations were part of the existing fleet but given updated registration numbers. The links between old and new registration numbers has been lost.
Q43MPP (possibly formerly LLK183K)
Q124MPP
Q124MPP with Leader/Driver Carole Paish
Q199MPP
Q364MPP
Rear axle change, Salzburg (Augie Huw Owen L/D)
Q504NPP
– the group was held up and this truck was stolen by Toureg bandits in May 1991 just out of Tessalit in Mali
Ferry to Timbuktu
Q572NPP
Q617MPP
Q617MPP ready for departure, Old Brompton Road with Ian Brown
Q898MPP
SBH441W
WBH645S
WBH646S
WBH647S
M-type line-up in Kathmandu
Bedford 6×4 KMs (used only in Asia)
GNM152F
GNM152F India 1977 (Paul Cunnington)
SVC339H
Bedford TLs 4×4
Q93NTM
Q93NTM near Epulu, Zaire in early 1993 (Leader/Driver Stan Moffat)
Ferry crossing at Monga, Zaire
Q620NTM
Q621NTM
Q621CPF
Q815NTM
Q872NRO
Bedford TLs 4×2
Q128NTM
Q400NRO
Q400NRO at Wren Park. Owen Wilson, Trevor Wilson, Clair Sullivan and Frank Lightburn
Q873NRO
Ford Cargo’s 4×2
Q356NVS
Q356NVS (Stephen Stewart)
Q356NVS (Stephen Stewart)
Q356NVS (Stephen Stewart)
Q356NVS (Stephen Stewart)
Q985NUR
Q702NVS
This truck was completed mid-2000. It was the last truck built by Encounter Overland.
At Wren Park
At Wren Park
Between Quetta and Peshawar
Between Quetta and Peshawar
Baluchistan
Baluchistan
Camping in Bulgaria
Rafts used in Nepal
Rafting 1984 (Mike Edwards)
Rafting 1984 (Mike Edwards)
Rafting 1984 (Mike Edwards)
Rafting 1984 (Mike Edwards)
Rafting 1984 (Mike Edwards)
Rafting (late 1970s)
Rafting (late 1970s)
Land Rover Series 3
In 1987 a six-cylinder petrol Land Rover was prepared at Wren Park intended for expeditions in Tibet. Petrol was more available than diesel at the time in Tibet. However, for reasons now lost to memory, it was shipped instead to East Africa for the Africa Coast-to-Coast program. It was not a suitable vehicle for these trips and was eventually sold. (No photos currently available.) (Note: The Land Rover pictured in the 1987/88 Brochure (page 29) was a borrowed prop and not the EO Land Rover.)
South America Trucks
Bedford RLs
VXX205
VXX205
VXX207
VXX207
VXX207
VXX207
VXX207
VXX207
VXX207 Loading onto Rio Iguacu Ferry (Bruce Davidson)
VXX207 Chile Portillo Ski resort (Bruce Davidson)
VXX207 Argentina Broken Spring hanger repairs (Bruce Davidson)
Dodge 500 Series (UK) 4×2
RHS301M
GMC 4×2
Y39839 (California registration)
Y39839 – built in Los Angeles by Ray Wolfe, Chris Moore and Bruce Davidson (and others unknown) in late 1975 – ready to depart for Central/South America. This truck had a gasoline engine which proved to be unsuitable for South America.
Y39839 – built in Los Angeles by Ray Wolfe, Chris Moore and Bruce Davidson (and others unknown) in late 1975 – ready to depart for Central/South America. This truck had a gasoline engine which proved to be unsuitable for South America.
Bedford KM 4×2
BVS504X
Bedford TL 4×2
D418MPP
D418MPP Peru and the Incas 1987/88 (Collin Penny (EM))
D418MPP Peru and the Incas 1987/88 (Collin Penny (EM))
D418MPP Peru and the Incas 1987/88 (Collin Penny (EM))
D418MPP Peru and the Incas 1987/88 (Collin Penny (EM))
Dodge Hi-Line 4×2
BVS968T
BVS968T on its second trip out of Quito in 1979. (Photo by Bryan Wallace)
In 1983 BVS968T became bogged in a river in northern Peru. Unable to be extracted, it was eventually destroyed by successive flash floods.
BVS969T
Barranquilla to Rio 1980-1981. Argentina, January 1981. Leader/Driver was Paul Wood
Barranquilla to Rio 1980-1981. Argentina, January 1981. Leader/Driver was Paul Wood
JNM602V
WBH648S
WBH648S before being shipped to South America. From left to right are Derek Biddle (cab), Penny Stone (looking through the front), Tony Jones (white T-shirt) and behind him is Jim McDonald (who didn’t stay with EO long). Col Livesey and Linda Banks are standing.
WBH648S – before and after shots of rebuild, Aug/Sep 1984 in Rio de Janeiro, before leaving on a South America Circle expedition with Leader/Driver Bruce Watkins and Chris Robinson (trainee)
WBH648S Paul Wood (in suit!) and Tony Simmons between Cusco and Abancayon – First Brief Encounter Peru and Incas Aug 1982 (Tony Simmons)
WBH648S Camping on the way to Puno – First Brief Encounter Peru and Incas late 1982 (Tony Simmons)
WBH648S on the Paracas Peninsula, south of Lima – First Brief Encounter Peru and Incas late 1982 (Tony Simmons)
Ford Cargo 4×2
BITA E985 (German registration)
BS99HL (Netherlands registration)
BS99HL – brand new at Wren Park
BS99HL – at Wren Park
BS99HL – being shipped to South America
South America 1996-1997
Geoff Spillet (left) and Richard Dear (right). Photo taken on the day Encounter Overland ceased operations.
VD46NY (Netherlands registration)
Geoff Spillet (left) and Richard Dear (right). Photo taken on the day Encounter Overland ceased operations.
Central America
Dodge Van
573ZQT (California registration)
Martin Watkinson, Debbie and Annette (EO San Francisco) Photo by rein Kamar.
573ZQT In the ‘Guatemala workshop’ on its first trip. Workshop stops were necessary all the way to Panama because of slipping automtic transmission and many other ills.
South-East Asia Yacht ‘Gypsy’
Photo supplied by Tony Jones
Undergoing refit at Teluk Ansun (Malaysia) between May and August 1979
Himalaya Overland / Sundowners Overland Odysseys Coaches
Asia
AHK110L
CUT33T
DRT680T
DRT680T – nicknamed the ‘Pink Panther’. Driver on this trip was Steve Tester. The coach had to be transported across Iran from Pakistan to Turkey after it lost its air filter and suffered engine damage in the Baluchistan desert.
DRT680T – the day before departure October 1989
First tour group allowed in Khyber Pass
First tour group allowed in Khyber Pass
HEK919N
HGS540T
JTE91P
JTE91P parked up beside the International Hotel, Lahore after being rescued from the India/Pakistan Wagah border following the collapse of Sundowners. A new engine was shipped from the UK and installed with the generous assistance of the Water and Power Development Authority of Lahore.
Angus Scott-Knight who spent a few months in Lahore getting JTE back on the road again, painting over the Sundowners signage.
This photo, taken in early 1982, is of JTE being rowed across the river at Narianghat, Nepal (advised by Brian Hedley)
LYS505Y
Q397NPP
L to R: Mike Godfrey (possibly), Riff Ayers, Guy Franken, Shaun ??
Q440MPP
Q902MPP
Mercedes Coach Q902MPP (Carole Paish)
Mercedes Coach Q902MPP (Carole Paish)
LYS505Y is the Mercedes 608D mini-bus with trailer. Q902MPP is to the right. This photo was taken at a chai stop in Baluchistan. Carole Hayward is on the left and Andy Sutcliffe is in the centre.
RUT3R
TEF72M
TEF73M (left), Peter McAlister’s Old Bedford CJT185 (centre) and possibly TEF72M on right with a makeshift TATA front after altercation with a tow truck
TEF73M
TEF73M (left), Peter McAlister’s Old Bedford CJT185 (centre) and possibly TEF72M on right with a makeshift TATA front after altercation with a tow truck
VNS822R
VNS822R in new livery
VNS822R in new livery
VNS822R in old livery
XMA204M
South America
ZK4407 (Mercedes Condor)
Sundowners Africa Live
Q872NRO (resprayed in Africa Live colours)
Q872NRO in Africa Live colours (Photo by Trish Burt) with Leader/Driver James Alexander
Q872NRO in Africa Live colours (Photo by Trish Burt)
Q872NRO in Africa Live colours (Photo by Trish Burt)
Q872NRO in Africa Live colours (Photo by Trish Burt)
Q872NRO in Africa Live colours (Photo by Bill Preston)
Support Vehicles
EO Pick-up San Francisco
EO Kathmandu VW Kombi YYH834T
EOK Kombi YYH844T 1981 (David Hunter)
Encounter Overland Kathmandu Kombi YYH834T (Wendy Robinson Waters (EM 1982))
EO Johannesburg VW Kombi (registration unknown)
EO Wren Park Bedford vans and staff vehicles
The van known as the ‘With Compliments slip on wheels’
GUR41?
The Sundowners supply vehicle based at Wren Park. It was used to ferry the camping gear and supplies to Holland for the Chinese Charters about 1991/92.
Probably from sometime in the 1970s
YBA 16092
– Isuzu ‘backie’ purchased initially to support the Sundowners ‘Africa Live’ pilot program in Southern Africa.
There were other support vehicles (Ford Escort van in Joburg in 1970s roughly; and Escort cars at Wren Park in the early 1990s) but details are lost to memory.
UHJ568V
– Although, technically, not a support vehicle, Martin Blackgrove’s Fiat 500 was given a Bedford makeover and painted in Encounter Overland livery by the lads at the Wren Park Workshop.
Martin Blackgrove’s Fiat 500 – before conversion to a mini – Bedford (Thomas Mather)
Martin Blackgrove’s Fiat 500 – after conversion to a mini – Bedford (Thomas Mather)
Encounter Overland Archives (1968 - 2001) 