Living off grid in one of Earth’s rarest vehicles, a 1968 Ford Transit Lindliner Mk1 Sprite

Just before Covid-19 struck, the Evans’ sold everything and set off in what may be one of the rarest vehicles on Earth.

Recent visitors to the North Coast Craig and Linda Evans, along with their Yorkie, Mila, have been road-tripping across South Africa for more than 2 years now after Craig retired from sales and marketing, and Linda was retrenched.

The couple, formerly of Johannesburg, embraced their home-on-wheels as the only home they know – their vehicle of choice, a 1968 Ford Transit Landliner Mk1 Sprite.

The Courier caught up with the 60s-born duo, who stopped in Ballito for a short visit recently.

Wanting an old car with character, they searched until they discovered a Landliner in Klerksdorp for R65 000. They hit the road after a near complete restoration.

The Landliner is the stuff of legend, with a history as a getaway vehicle in London heists.

These were so fast that the cops started using them just to keep up with the robbers.

They were also made famous by English rock band, The Beatles.

Today these vans are exceptionally difficult to find.

When they sought insurance advice the Evans’ were told they owned one of only 20 still in operation in the world.

Their van soon caught they eye of its manufacturer. Ford South Africa were so astonished at the discovery that they extended access to each of its service centres across South Africa.

The couple were even contacted by an Irishman who surprised them with an impromptu visit to South Africa and an offer of R200 000.

This was when they discovered the real value of their new home.

A fully-restored model such as this fetches anything from £28 000-34 000 in the United Kingdom (almost R700 000).

While jumping from camp site to camp site, with their motto of ‘going somewhere, slowly’, the journey has not always been an easy one.

Like the time they were making their way down a steep pass at Underberg: “I was literally standing on the brakes, one hand holding up the emergency brake while going downhill in second gear. I told Linda if the brakes failed, I was going to switch down to first gear and hopefully come to a standstill,” said Craig, with Linda saying she had never been so frightened.

They have also made some culinary discoveries. Chicken feet being at the top of the list.

“They are better than KFC!” said Linda.

The Landliner also does not have an air-conditioner or heater, which makes for interesting travelling.

“We have a gas fridge which warms the van when turned on. So when it gets too hot, I ask Craig to turn off the fridge which leaves people confused,” she said laughing.

In two years they have spent more than R500 000 on fuel, hopping from province to province. Next up is Clarens, but first they must stop to buy some warm clothes!

Stay up-to-date with them on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/fordintransit.