Progress is underway to building the prototype AutoGraph ultimate two-person overland expedition vehicle based on experience gained from over 35 years of overlanding. The primary goal is to build a vehicle to take two people in the most comfort, with the most reliability, with the most simplicity and convenience to the world’s most remote places. And if you would like one, I can build one for you too…
Price will be approximately US$99 500, ZAR670 000. This is a brand new vehicle, imported into South Africa and adapted here. (Four seater option will be available end 2011)
Introducing… AutoGraph-Go. AutoGraph-Go takes the hassle and risk out of Africa overland.
As part of the ‘simplicity and convenience’ concept, AutoGraph offers a solution to adventurers wanting to tour Africa in their own vehicle, even if they live far, far away. We will build, to your specifications, an AutoGraph Overland vehicle (any model). We will then teach you all there is to know about overland travel, then store, maintain and insure your vehicle, keeping it ready-to-go at a moment’s notice. Much like the yachting industry, all it will take is a phone call for your vehicle to be stocked, fueled and ready to explore the wildest most untouched parts of the world in South and Central Africa. Tell us where you want to go and we’ll organise carnets, maps and all the backup you need. And if you break down, or have an accident, our medi-evacuation insurance kicks in right away, no matter where you are, flies you back to South Africa and repatriates your vehicle!
(This service is only available to owners of AutoGraph 4×4 vehicles)
Options for registration are varied, but if you intend to tour Southern or Central Africa, then why register your vehicle out of Africa? Let us do it for you! Save money and hassles. We are based in Cape Town, with Johannesburg an alternative if required.
Launch date: October 2011
Watch here as I post updates as we built this vehicle. Completion due September-1
STANDARD TWO-PERSON OVERLANDER
Based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 4.2D 78 wagon (Troopie) it will have the following adaptations and enhancements, all already well proven:
Bull-bar
(airbag compatible)
Steering/sump protection plate
Front and rear differential locks
Diff lock actuator protection plate
Replacement springs
Replacement shocks
Dashboard power points for GPS and auxiliary equipment
110/220V inverter for battery charging
Steering damper
Tyres BF Goodrich Mud-T 265/75 R17
Wheel rims 17” our exclusive brand – extremely light but extremely strong.
270-degree instant awning
Sound deadening
Caska Entertainment and Nav system
Dashboard parcel shelf
Safe
Dual compartment 70L fridge/freezer
Roof console with LED lights
Tyre monitoring system
Load-bay windows opening/s
Side mounted table/sand ladders.
Rear bumper with twin spare wheels
Side steps/rock-sliders
Dual fuel tanks, total 180L
Raised air intake
Camper conversion. Walk through camper with in-built tent or similar. (Under development). This will include a hot water geyser (not a heat pump), basin, cooker, storage, water tank, two additional batteries with charger, 220v, work station, slide out table and more. Set up time including sleeping quarters, shade, table and chairs: ±3 minutes. Breakdown time: ±5 minutes.
There are many options in addition to the items listed above. A few are below:
Roof opening with camera mount bar (stand up on a front seat and shoot pictures through the roof).
Spare wheel bag to carry cooking grid.
Replacement front seats
Half-size or full size roof rack.
Body protection – VPS
Mounts for jacks and spade.
Work lamps
Replacement headlamps. (No extra driving lamps recommended)
Radio transceivers
Solar panels
Cool drinks fridge
Sun visor
Wheel arch flares
Air Springs with auto-pump (to assist when payload is at maximum for long periods)
ARB diff locks. Replace standard lockers. (faster lock and unlocking)
Air compressor
And many, many more
The following images provide some insight into our thinking. This is not what we are building, but there are many ideas here that we will use. These vehicles were built in the UK last year:
Go to the AutoGraph 4×4 website.
