SA built Hilux reaches Antarctica In an epic expedition reminiscent of Jeremy Clarkson and James May’s trip in the same vehicle in the same terrain, a specially built Toyota Hilux has reinforced the bakkie’s rugged and pioneering reputation by becoming the first conventional vehicle to drive the gruelling ice and snow route to South Africa’s scientific research base deep within Antarctica. The 300km, 21-hour journey from the SANAE Summer Station (South African National Antarctica Expedition) near the edge of the ice shelf to SANAE IV was achieved with the Hilux running ahead of four monster Caterpillar Challenger vehicles that rely on tank-style tracks to achieve traction on the slippery surfaces.
This version of South Africa’s evergreen Hilux 3.0 D4-D double cab had special modifications undertaken by a team from Arctic Trucks of Iceland at Toyota SA Marketing’s workshops in Sandton and was driven by expedition guide and well-known 4×4 instructor Geoff Dalglish, who is tasked with introducing the vehicle on a trial basis to scientists, researchers and personnel from the Department of Environmental Affairs operating at the remote South African base. “It was one of the most exciting 4×4 drives I’ve ever undertaken and the Toyota performed admirably under often challenging conditions, fulfilling all expectations,” Dalglish said. “I ran ahead of the convoy but stopped often so that we could regroup because of the ever-present danger of a sudden change in weather and getting lost in whiteout conditions where you can’t see further than the end of the vehicle’s bonnet.”
Antarctica has a reputation for some of the worst weather on Earth and an environment that is not conducive to human survival, although this time the motorised convoy enjoyed near-ideal conditions in which the ice-covered continent revealed its haunting beauty. “Apart from the drive, a braai under a searingly bright midnight sun with the mercury at minus 10 degrees Centigrade will be a memory I’ll always cherish,” Dalglish said. “We’d stopped at a caboose that serves as an emergency refuge and refuelling point at the halfway mark when the drivers decided it was time to celebrate our smooth progress with a traditional South African braai.” During the epic journey the Challenger drivers were also invited to take the wheel of the Toyota for short stints and seemed well-pleased with the comfort and capabilities of the Hilux, which was dwarfed by their 25-ton goliaths. Dalglish praised the courage, stamina and resourcefulness of the team which routinely braves gruelling and dangerous conditions to perform essential support roles to the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) which aims to increase our understanding of the frozen continent and its eco-systems. Henry Valentine, Director: Antarctica and Islands division of the Department of Environmental Affairs said he was delighted that Toyota South Africa Motors had made the vehicle available for assessment. “We have a requirement for an agile and fast personnel carrier to transport research teams to and from our base in Antarctica and the specially adapted Hilux will be evaluated to determine whether this type of vehicle would fit the bill.”
The arrival of the Hilux coincides with some important historic milestones – it is the 50th South African expedition to the Antarctic and much of their work in coming months will coincide with the centenary celebrations of the original race to the South Pole. Although it was Norwegian Roald Amundsen who reached the pole first, Englishman Captain Robert Scott found even wider fame in dying heroically during his ill-fated return journey. The Hilux also takes the lead with its much smaller carbon footprint compared to other motorised transport on Antarctica – in line with Toyota’s stated commitment to providing sustainable mobility – while SANAP’s study of the environment is regarded as invaluable in achieving a greater understanding of the planet’s fragile ecology and the challenges facing it. There are already 11 other Toyota Hilux vehicles operating in Antarctica and the Hilux has made motoring history as the first and only conventional vehicle to have reached both of the Earth’s magnetic poles. - Kevin Willemse