Recreation of first vehicle to Cape York in 1928

Thanks Dennis. I believe that is the original vehicle.

No, the Austin in Coen is not the car that went to the Cape. In fact I believe it is a year later model.

The original Austin 7 that was the first motor car to travel to the Cape finished its days on Thursday Island.

Incidentally, my first car was a 1927 Austin 7, also known as a Baby Austin, same as the one driven to the Cape. Very economical on fuel but expensive on crankshafts!

The Austin at Coen used to be displayed on the front lawn of the store. No longer apparently.

Sorry Allan. My comment 'I believe that is the original vehicle' referred to the one in Laura. And yes I agree, the car driven by Lang and Bev Kidby is a year older than the original car that did it.

Such a tiny vehicle. We towered over it in our photos.

Cheers,
PeteS

According to our reference book, when the original car arrived at Red Island Point (Seisa) it was purchased by Alice Jardine Vidgeon on Thursday Island. Her joy was short lived however when she learnt the cars agents wanted it back to put on display down south and she reluctanty parted with it.

My memory has recovered a little......... the Austin did not stay on Thursday Island, after several years there it was en route to America when the ship sank and the car was lost.

I have the book "We and the Baby" at home but I am currently on the road so unable to check all details.

Correct, the one at Laura is definitely not the original either.

I hope they're not going to build a raft to get it across the Jardine like Hector and Dick did. The locals would not be happy with them getting across for free!