Oslo to Lisbon Expedition Begins

The Max Adventure team’s practice drive around Europe as part of their training for the London to Cape Town record attempt is finally on its way. Nicknamed the ‘Moss Marathon’ by the 6-man British team, they will attempt to recreate a journey that their Patron, Sir Stirling Moss undertook back in 1952.

As part of a PR launch by the Humber car group, Stirling and three co- drivers were challenged by the boss of Humber to visit 15 countries in Europe in less than 5 days. Starting in Oslo, Norway and finishing in Lisbon, Portugal, they had to cover 3,300 miles in less than 120 hours. The car, a brand new model Super Snipe was shipped out to Norway ahead of the team’s arrival. It was a standard model in every respect, but had been carefully checked over by the Humber mechanics.

Stirling and his team arrived by air, landing in a wintry Norway, with the departure date set for the 2nd December. Some 57 years later, the Max Adventure team, led by professional adventurer, Mac Mackenney will embark on that same journey, using the very roads that Stirling took.

Some conditions will be in the favour of this 21st century team, but other will not. Stirling set out in mid-winter, when we used to have real winters; borders were heavily controlled where passports and vehicles had to be checked at every point; their vehicle was petrol and probably had a short fuel range and the roads were still recovery from 6 years of European war. On the other hand, there were no, or few, speed limits and there was very little traffic on the roads.

Even so, Stirling managed to lead his team through all the obstacles, over 7,300’ mountain passes in the Alps through deep snow and they still managed to reach the finish point in less than 4 days – 89 hours 59 minutes to be exact! Including all stops at borders, ferry crossings from Sweden to Denmark and then hopping from one Danish island to another, and the deep snow in the Alps, they still managed to achieve an incredible 37mph! Even with their long-range Land Rovers and driving in autumn, not winter, the Max Adventure team will be hard pushed to match their Patron’s time. But their trip isn’t about trying to beat any previous records, it’s about practicing the strict routines necessary when undertaking the mammoth journey from London to Cape Town.

The team should reach Lisbon in 4 days, but this is just a fraction of the 13 ½ day journey from London to Cape Town - 10,000 miles, via 20 countries and 3 continents. Over the past few days, the vehicles were painstakingly prepared in readiness for their ordeal.

The crew will take it in turns to drive, navigate and sleep during their time on the road, but the vehicles will be required to run continuously. Rations were packed, Airseal tyre sealant fitted, NSSL satellite communications connected and Utopia Design stickers fitted.

As this news report is written, Jim and Mac are sitting on board a Stenaline ship bound for Holland , supping a cool Dutch beer and wondering what they have let themselves in for!

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