Short-O-Motive: That Time A Dump Truck Ran The Eastern Africa Safari Rally In 1967

In one of the weirdest promotions of all time, Diamond REO shipped a brand new prototype dump truck to Africa in 1967 and pre-ran the entire route of the East African Safari Rally. This was an insane feat of endurance and strength as the rally was basically a 3,000 mile trip on dirt roads with dangerous bridges, narrow roads, mountain terrain, and outright peril. Three guys drove the truck the whole way and they managed to finish the route with an claimed average speed of about fifty miles per hour.
Is that true? Who knows, but there's loads of evidence that these are some of the hardest core dump truck drivers who ever lived. A Detroit Diesel engine and a 13-speed Road Ranger transmission powered the rig over hill and dale. Incredibly a documentary film was made about the whole adventure.
Here's the story of the weirdest dump truck drive of all time.

[@Brewhammer870]

I believe it took 7 days to finish the entire race. Lonnie was my grandfather. I have the trophy in my attic right now along with the racing flag and numerous other memorabilia. How do I message you directly?

[@roguedalek900]

Have you thought about donating them to Olds museum in Lansing?

[@Brewhammer870]

@@roguedalek900 I haven’t relay thought about it. It an interesting conversation piece and something to remember my Grandpa by. Maybe one day, though. Is it the old Diamond Reo plant? I live in Ar, so it would be a bit if a drive.

[@vancrawford4064]

Wow man that is cool as hell.

[@peggyscoville78]

Lonnie Hudson was my uncle!

[@CoalChrome]

dependant on the rear end axle ratios this truck would definitely do 80.
assuming the 13 speed is overdrive which they usually were, and the truck has 4.10 axles then it probably can manage 85, because a 318 can spin 2500-3000 rpm

[@CoalChrome]

my guess on the truck, because of how short it is
it was probably sold as a tractor, and probably ended up on a farm moving equipment and grain
that or it became a log truck
that truck is verrry short for a dump truck of the late 60s early 70s

[@CoalChrome]

does the truck survive?

[@JeffKopis]

Podcasts are worthless to me. Without film, Im not gonna stare at a picture for 15 minutes.

[@jakobquick6875]

Agreed❤ crap but good story

[@rpm371]

My Dad owned a 66 Diamond T with a 67 REO hood. Link to the actual film
czcams.com/video/km8YFNim4oQ/video.html

[@fritzarmstrong8232]

THANK YOU

[@davidmitchell7183]

czcams.com/video/km8YFNim4oQ/video.html