All you need is love… and a Landy

At the end of August 2022, we had an opportunity to go on a Landy tour with our friends, the brothers Blasie and Pierre Franken – Pierre’s son Paulus joined us. We drove three Series models from the seventies and two Defenders from the nineties – the Landies all belong to the Frankens.

The Frankens have been participating in motorsport for years, but they also have a great love for old Land Rovers – between them, they have more Landies than one can count. The trick, Uncle Pierre explains, is: “The more spares and Landies you have, the cheaper it gets!”

Each Landy is unique and comes with a tale to tell. We were a bit sceptical before the tour, but with a good dose of enthusiasm – and extra oil – the Landies were up for the challenge.

We drove slowly out of Gansbaai and got to know our vehicles… keeping an eye, of course, on the engine temperature. We stopped for coffee, crossed the pont at Malgas, and finally arrived in Witsand. A group of at least 12 whales lay waiting for us in the bay – now that’s a sight not easily described.

That evening at the table we exchanged car stories – how they’re part of our lives. Sometimes things got technical.

On Sunday, we chose the same road back to Gansbaai, and after delicious ribs and chips at Marietjie’s in

Baardskeerdersbos it was time to park the Landies and say goodbye. My wife, Megan, and I drove the red one, and when I left it there, it was like saying goodbye to an old friend. It’s sad, but I know that when we see each other again, we’ll simply pick up the pen and continue writing our story.

That’s the Land Rover lesson: pay attention and listen when someone complains... or gets heated. If the Landy wants to enjoy the landscape, don’t be in a hurry. Yes, he may anger you sometimes, but he’ll get you there in the end. With a smile, if you’re game.

More effort, more enjoyment.