Trans‑Africa Land Rover — 65th Anniversary Edition By Martin Port
If you’ve ever fancied chucking the SatNav in the bin, strapping a dog in the back, jamming a tent on the roof, and just heading for the horizon, this book is basically a manual for your soul. But don’t expect directions - Philip Kohler, the hero of Trans‑Africa Land Rover, did all that before Google Maps or even reliable fuel stations existed. He just had a 1959 Series II Land‑Rover, a heap of courage, and a fair bit of luck.
On the road (well… mostly)
Kohler’s journey is part epic overland adventure, part memoir, and 100% proof that the Landy isn’t just a car - it’s a passport to chaos, dust, and occasional desert hilarity. From Europe to Africa, this bloke drove solo through some of the harshest terrains imaginable. Mud? Check. Sand? Check. Curious locals and the occasional mild mishap? Triple check.
The first edition of the book already captured this beautifully, but the 65th Anniversary Edition adds new photographs and documents that make you feel like you’re sitting in the passenger seat, bumping over uncharted pistes with the steering wheel in one hand and a map you can barely read in the other.
Off-road capability (of the book itself)
This edition goes further than the original. You get unseen images, more insights into Kohler’s kit, and a deeper look at how that Series II Land‑Rover survived decades of abuse, and then came back to life like some sort of metallic Lazarus. It’s not a technical manual, but you’ll finish it with a newfound respect for old-school Landy resilience… and maybe a few ideas for your own green-laning antics.
The layout has been given a bit of polish, too - bigger photos, better quality paper, and a size that makes it perfect for leaving on the coffee table, so guests can marvel at your taste in books while you sip a pint.
Interior spec (story and visuals)
Port does a stellar job blending narrative with archival goodness. Letters, receipts, maps, and photographs from Kohler’s trip give you a proper sense of place. You feel the dust in your teeth, the sweat on your brow, and the satisfaction of a successful campsite dinner cooked over a fire while your four‑wheeled companion waits faithfully outside.
For anyone who’s ever wanted to understand the romance of overland travel in the 1950s and 60s, this edition is like stepping into a time machine, only with more dust.
Comfort and practicality
Comfort? Well, not so much for Kohler in the desert, but for us reading on the sofa with a brew and a muddy dog at our feet, yes. Practicality-wise, this book doubles as inspiration, shelf porn, and conversation starter. It’s a hefty hardback with over 300 photographs — some colour, some classic black-and-white, and enough detail to make you think twice about complaining on your next muddy adventure.
Fuel efficiency (reading speed)
Once you start, it’s hard to put down. The story flows like a Landy over a green lane, some bumps, a few hairpin turns, and a lot of traction that keeps you moving. Honestly, the new photos and extra documents give it a bit more “oomph” than the first edition, so you might actually find yourself re-reading passages just to soak in the scenery.
Verdict
If you missed the first edition, the 65th Anniversary Edition is absolutely the one to get. It’s richer, fuller, and properly celebrates a mad adventure that pre-dates overlanding as we know it. Even if you already own the original, the extra photos, kit insights, and layout upgrades make it worth a second look - like giving an old Landy a fresh coat of paint and a proper wax.
For anyone who loves Land-Rovers, overlanding, and stories that make you want to pack a tent and head off into the unknown, this book isn’t just a read - it’s a call to adventure.
Website: https://porterpress.co.uk/products/trans-africa-land-rover-65th-anniversary-edition
Price: £35.00