This book evoked instant childhood memories for me. This iconic rally made every adventurer’s heart skip a beat or two in the 1980s.

The first Camel Trophy was held in 1980 and as you might imagine was sponsored by Camel cigarettes. Later this was taken over by Worldwide Brands Inc. which owns the Camel Trophy trademark. That first Trophy was run by only 3 teams.

Initially, only one edition was planned

The interest was overwhelming! WBI had released a leisurewear line in Germany and sponsorship of the Camel Trophy followed. Only one edition was planned but the success was so overwhelming that tens of thousands of applications came in for another Trophy.

No real rally or race like Paris-Dakar

It would be 20 editions with an average of 15 participating teams. The purpose of the Camel Trophy was rather to have the teams do certain tests where they really had to depend on each other. Teamwork was really important.

A Trophy for the Common Man

The aim was to attract the ordinary man in the street to a unique experience. However, the selection procedure was so strict that the participants were rather special. For example, the following professional categories were present. A specialist in tropical medicines, a mechanic, a former fighter pilot, a manager of a pizza restaurant, a participant of the Swiss alpine ski team, etc… One thing they had in common, none of them were allowed to have a rally licence.

How do you put 20 editions of the Camel Trophy in one book?

Actually, it is not that difficult. You take top photographer Nick Dimbleby and let him drive some of these Trophies. Not only do you get great pictures but also a participant’s story. The result is “Camel Trophy The Definitive History”.

A documentary in book form

That is how the book reads, like a documentary. The author Nick Dimbleby has written the book in such a way that first you get to know the participants. Then you get to know the vehicles. And then you get in for the trip of a lifetime.

Land Rover

For most of us the Camel Trophy is synonymous with Land Rover. However the first edition was driven with some Ford U-50 jeeps. And the last edition was mainly over water with Ribtec 655 boats with Honda engine. Everything in between was driven with Land Rovers.

Divided into five periods

In 21 years, things change. Nick Dimbleby understands this very well and therefore discusses five periods. We start in the early years, then we move on to changing times, and then we end up in the years 88-89 with the further development of the Trophy. 1990 sees the start of the Discovery period, with the Land Rover Discovery making its appearance. We end with “One life, Live it”.

The book can be purchased via Porter Press or the better bookshops by using the ISBN number. For the price of £60; you get a beautiful and fascinating book.

285 x 235mm, 336 pages
Jacketed Hardback
Over 930 images
ISBN 978-1-913089-37-5

Report: Patrick Verheeken
Photos: Porter Press