A bright red 1968 Mercedes Benz is not the car you expect to see hooning across the sandy outback, but it is the vehicle of choice for father and son Gavin and John Peaty of Breadalbane as they drive across Queensland for the Outback Car Trek.
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The farmers, from the property Peaty Pastoral, have a long time connection with the Outback Car Trek, with dad John having been involved in the very first Outback Car Trek 29 years ago.
Raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Gavin was accompanied this year by Sydney plumber Ian Chivas and raised $8000 for the cause as they ventured from Tamworth, through central Queensland and finally finished at Airlie Beach.
Gavin Peaty said the Mercedes Benz 250, which has 80,000 miles on the clock, was originally a road car which they bought 20 years ago.
“[We] installed a roll cage, upgraded the suspension and driveline parts to cope with the rigours of four wheel drive tracks,” Mr Peaty said.
“We did not have a support vehicle, so we were totally self sufficient in carrying all our spare parts and tools.”
The only work that had to be done to the vehicle was to repair a broken shock absorber.
Thankfully they were able to limp to the finish.
“I really enjoy the fellowship of the trek and the Australian outback but raising money for the RFDS and the local communities we visit is the primary objective,” he said.
This year’s outback Trekkers raised $1.3 million for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The team was sponsored by Reiland Angus.
