Sir Hudson Fysh, Longreach grazier, World War I pilot and eventually the founder of Qantas Empire Airways, entered for the Federal Government’s prize for the first person to fly a plane from England to Australia.
However, just prior to the race the sponsor for their attempt died and left them without funds to compete.
Instead of flying across Australia, they purchased a Model T Ford and drove from Longreach to Darwin over trackless country.
The only thing that stopped the trusty Model T was when it crashed into a giant ant hill.
Apart from that little interlude, the two-wheel drive Ford accomplished the trip easily – so much for Four Wheel Drive!
They used the Ford to map the eventual routes for the first Qantas flights.
However, just prior to the race the sponsor for their attempt died and left them without funds to compete.
Instead of flying across Australia, they purchased a Model T Ford and drove from Longreach to Darwin over trackless country.
The only thing that stopped the trusty Model T was when it crashed into a giant ant hill.
Apart from that little interlude, the two-wheel drive Ford accomplished the trip easily – so much for Four Wheel Drive!
They used the Ford to map the eventual routes for the first Qantas flights.
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