Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007 at 19:17
Axle
Volkswagen Beetle "Antarctica 1" in 1963 - "the first production car in the Antarctic". Better late than never! In 1962 ANARE, the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition, were looking for cheap motorised transport to complement the costly heavy tracked vehicles at their scientific research base at Mawson, on the lonely windswept coast of MacRobertson Land. In November of that year, the incoming (1963) Expedition leader, Ray McMahon, exercised his initiative to request, from VW Australasia, the loan of a new Beetle to operate as general transport at Mawson. As the result of a recent directive from Wolfsburg to world markets to concentrate publicity effort on the VW in arctic conditions, the opportunity was welcomed enthusiastically by the Australian manufacturer. Ray McMahon says the sales person he made contact with, named Graham Maslen, scored the promotional coup of his life. After some minor modifications, the 1962½ model Beetle was shipped aboard Arctic supply ship 'Nella Dan'. The colour ruby red was chosen so that the car would stand out from the snowscape.
Official VW co-operation was thorough; the car was delivered with a box of general spares, spare wheels etc., as
well as a quality Bolex cine
camera with a generous stock of movie film. Ray McMahon sent a regular monthly radio telegram detailing 'Antarctica 1' progress.
The first VW, Antarctica 1, spent a year at Mawson, competing with dog teams and larger tracked vehicles, such as the Snowtrac. Subjected to smothering snows, bitter cold (-52°C) and knifing 200 km/h winds, it turned out to be excellent for running around the station and short traverses of the ice-bound country. Air-cooled, it never froze; tightly sealed, it was immune from drifting snow, which at Mawson was so fine it could blow through tack holes! Scientists called it their 'Red Terror' while VW proudly named it Antarctica 1 - "The first production car to visit Antarctica".
On its return to Australia after the year was up, it was replaced by a similar
orange 1964 VW named "Antarctica 2" which served there through 1964 and into 1969, at the end of which it was returned to Australia. This second Antarctic-dwelling Beetle, upon landing back
home, was circulated to various dealerships for display. In 1969, one of those outlets was Smith's of Ringwood,
Melbourne. Kevin Edwards, then car sales manager of this establishment, remembers the Ringwood showroom was particularly suitable for such a role. He recalls, in addition, that that year Volkswagen Australia issued them with two unusual all-purpose VW utility vehicles for display, of a type not seen previously. One of the pair was sold through a sub agent in the
Mansfield district of Eastern Victoria. Antarctica 2 was 'international
orange', and like the red sister car had ANARE labels on the doors, as
well as the special number plates. If it had been available for sale after that adventure, it should have attracted a premium to market value because of its history. Five years of concerted abuse must have depreciated it somewhat; the snow chains for instance, are reported to have flogged the mudguards to within a micron of their lives. Characters of the early 1960's ANARE fraternity, who either operated or performed mechanical service on Car #1 or #2, confirmed both cars received a most vigorous workout.
Colin.
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