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Many thanks Geoff, for this great article. Hailing from central Africa, it was of particular interest as I recall from early childhood, even strip-roads (two bands of bare dirt in the bush). And yet there were plenty of American cars there. Chevrolet Impala coincidentally were often seen along with plenty of finned Mercedes. Should anyone be interested, there's a great site 'classic cars in Northern Rhodesia'. I post a link, as well as an amazing photo' from Nyasaland (now Malawi) with two Delahaye on the drive ! ! !
Many thanks Geoff, for this great article. Hailing from central Africa, it was of particular interest as I recall from early childhood, even strip-roads (two bands of bare dirt in the bush). And yet there were plenty of American cars there. Chevrolet Impala coincidentally were often seen along with plenty of finned Mercedes. Should anyone be interested, there's a great site 'classic cars in Northern Rhodesia'. I post a link, as well as an amazing photo' from Nyasaland (now Malawi) with two Delahaye on the drive ! ! !
what an extraordinary and fascinating site Charles, thank you. Personally I just cannot get enough of "exotic" car history like this. There appears to be an even greater diversity of makes and models there than in Australia, where we did have a real mix of local, British, European and U.S made vehicles.
This pic is intriguing, it looks very much like an Australian made Valiant.
So sure enough I found this after a rather quick search
@geoff-jowettWhat an excellent find Geoff. There was certainly a strong affinity between Southern Africa and Australia (at times, I believe bordering on a love/hate relationship with white Africans considered a bit too far up the proverbials) and indeed my family could (should) have emigrated there rather than return to Blighty. But an intriguing difference as far as the present subject is concerned: African countries tended to border other countries with multiple national colonial histories: Britain, France, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Holland and even Germany and Italy so there is a real mix of cultures and of course products. As far as Zambia and I guess South Africa even more so, are concerned, we had plenty of U.S. mining companies and of course, they wanted cars from home!
