1966 - Karachi to London by Kombi

Frank Arnold & Noel Cantrill

Overland travel in 1966 was very different to current 2014 journeys yet the essence of overland travel remains the same... to explore new countries.
Historical overland journeys often fade into the memories of the travelers and rarely get published.

One trip that has recently reappeared is the 1966 overland travels of Frank Arnold and Noel Cantrill.  The two overlanders traveled from Karachi to London and have recently published an eBook which is currently available via Apple iTunes (as an iBook).

I spotted the article in our local Australian newspaper and was intrigued by the write up and stories of the authors, Frank Arnold and Noel Cantrill.  The iBook highlights the overland journey from Karachi to London in a VW Kombi.  The iBook features photos and a selection of video clips.

Apple iBook: Highly Inflamably

Highly Inflamably

iTunes Description:

In 1966, Frank Arnold and Noel Cantrill, two intrepid twenty-something Australians, set off on the overland trip of a lifetime. The 1965 India-Pakistan war almost thwarted their plans, but after a journey by sea on the MV Guglielmo Marconi, they drove in a custom-fitted Kombi van from Pakistan, through Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq and up through Europe to London, a journey no longer possible today. 

The trip was dicey and adventurous. To negotiate their way, they had to grapple with corrupt officials, were accused of spying and were awakened one night with a gun at the window. While the Beatles were dominating the charts, Frank and Noel were surrounded by the ancient history of Bamiyan, Persepolis, Petra and an Anzac Day dawn at Gallipoli all to themselves. They experienced first-hand the warm hospitality of the local people, which included getting down-to-earth with students from Peshawar University.

With amazing photos and never-before-seen footage that captures the landscape, street scenes, fashion and culture of the 1960s, this interactive, multi-touch iBook is an amazing resource that brings to vivid life Europe and the Middle East of the time.

Tap any of the 300 quality colour images and they fill the screen. Tap on any of the 20 movie camera icons to select authentic film clips vibrantly illustrating the world of the 1960s, a world that is gone forever.

Closing Thoughts

Keep those historical trips alive and if you have recently traveled and kept a website, please consider keeping it online for future generations to read.