A chance to get some Simpson Desert history

Hi Min,
I'm in the process of reading Griselda Sprigg's book "Dune is a four letter word".
In the chapter "Bound for Birdsville" you will read that Jack and Griselda actually arrived in Birdsville in Jacks Toyota and therefore crossed the Simpson before Reg in his Nissan. I would assume that because Reg was the leader of this expedition driving a Nissan that is why he got the credit. I must admit that Reg deservedly got the credit. He was a truly amazing guy and the book is a great read. Inspirational people.

Its interesting to see who gets the credit for the behind the scenes work in making the re-enactment actually happen !

I'm sure I've seen a pic of the support vehicles in the background and they were....wait for it...Toyota's

Hi Danna, are you referring to the re-enactment or the original trip?

I've just always assumed that Reg did the original trip on his own with his family in the one vehicle. Not his being in a lead vehicle in a small convoy.

I'm very keen to learn more about The Spriggs, could you please give any reference you may have regarding his taking support vehicles.

Cheers mate,

Kevin.

Hi Kevin E
Dr. Reg Sprigg and his family made the trip on their own (no support vehicle), as I stated in first reply. But what I written, it could have been any other kind of vehicle. Reg just chosen and bought second hand Nissan. Whole family was sworn to secrecy not to reveal made of vehicle, as Nissan refused to support anyhow Dr. Reg Sprigg and his family in crossing Simpson Desert.
Cheers Dana

Hi Dave
I taught so, I taped the documentary, so I looked back and yes….LOL & LOL there it is…”The king of the Outback” Toyota Troopy…. WOW…. that much for glory of Nissan.
Than again, that shouldn’t surprise you. Patrick use to run KIA promotional video, and we use to laugh, as he was promoting it as real 4WD. In background were always Troopys ….

Pat Callinan - lot slimmer little younger:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNMIv3BuGTs

By the way, French Line is not as rugged as Rig Road, Madigan Line or WAA Line.
But Patrick Callinan wouldn’t know that, as he never traveled that way and claiming that French Line is most rugged is misleading statement. It is other way around. French Line is quicker and easier way to cross Simpson.

"Yes, it was a Nissan who lead expedition" That' s the line that confused me. Sounds pretty much like you were saying there was an "expedition" with more than 1 make of vehicle.

"but it could have been any other vehicle!" But, it wasn't, was it! ;)

"so I looked back and yes….LOL & LOL there it is…”The king of the Outback” Toyota Troopy…. WOW…. that much for glory of Nissan."

Mate, you said yourself that Reg & his family did the trip on their own in a Nissan. Not a Ford, not a Land rover, not a Mazda, not a Mitsubishi, and, wait for it........ not a Toyota! Credit where credit is due! :)

I have no brand loyalty whatsoever! I couldn't give a rats what brand my next vehicle is, as long as it meets my needs. But, a Nissan was the 1st vehicle through the Simpson dessert & the family who drove it through did it without the help of some imaginary Toyota Super car lol!

Hi Kevin
If you want to know more about the Dr. Reg Sprigg and family trip X Simpson, buy your self the Australian 4WD magazine (No.187) and read about Reg’s expedition. You will know what I mean.
Cheers Dana

Rock Star by Kristin Weidenbach seems to be the authoritative work on the life of Dr. Reg Sprigg. My recollection from the book is that there were four teams of which Reg and his family was one. In fact I think the Spriggs were last to set out but the plan was to meet up in the desert and all proceed out. No doubt the Sprigg's vehicle lead the others out. If so it would be the first to cross the Simpson. I don't recall the makes of other vehicles or even if they were recorded.
I think the book is available from EzplorOz shop. If not it probably can be obtained fro Arkaroola. THat's where I bought my copy. I'm sure they will mail them out if you don't want to go there to collect it.
Cheers,
Kevin

It was a bit amusing in Brisbane. The ad breaks were peppered with Holden Colorado ads so Nissan didn't get a clear run at their Patrol promotion. I find these programs to be a bit contrived. You can be sure that the first car through was the camera crew and the staff organising the camp were probably ahead most of the time as well. But I have to try not to be cynical.
But is was good to hear the comments by Doug and Marg on the original trip and the desert scenery was as brilliant as ever. And I'm sure that Nissan keep the old Patrol in moth balls but it still did well to cross at the age of 50. Just realised that the trip occurred just after wife and I were married.
Cheers,
Kevin