190D across Africa - 1959

[rstl99]

For those who haven't seen it, have a look at this most interesting video:
http://mercedes-benz.tv/en/clip-661/The+190+diesel+on+safari+in+Africa

Who says one needs a Land-Rover or other 4x4 to traverse Africa in the late 50's! This 190D was basically a stock car. If I recall, the only mishap they suffered was a flat tire at some point along the way. Quite a testament to the toughness of those earlier MB diesel cars!!!

Some info about it:

The event started from Algiers on January 8th.
From an initial field of 28 participants, 16(?) teams reached Cape Town on February 20th.

1. Karl Kling - Rainer Günzler (Mercedes 190 D)
2. Olivier Gendebien - Lucien Bianchi (Citroën DS19)
3(?) Mr. and Ms. Buchmann (Simca Beaulieu)


Other participants who completed the rally:

Vachon - Vignon (Citroën)
Mr. and Ms. Bastin (Simca)
Ms. Pysant - Ms. Largeot (Peugeot)
Mr. and Ms. Gain (Peugeot)
Cochart - Laverny (Peugeot)
Bartscherer - Happekausen (Volkswagen)
Ms. Paolozzi - Bettoja (Porsche)
Fabre - Fabre (Willys)
Ragheb Zaki - Robert (Chevrolet)
Riviere - Horrocks (Land Rover)
Rouighi (Unic truck)
Roussel (Unic truck)
??

[The two trucks took 6th and 7th place]