“People often assume that we’re able to travel full-time because we’re millionaires, but they couldn’t be more wrong. Nevertheless, I always say, yes, I am. I’m a ‘time millionaire.’ I may not have lots of money, but I have time, and that’s most important.” -Leander Nardin
For Leander Nardin, his partner Maria, and their son Lennox, this philosophy isn’t just a quote; it’s their life. Akela World, as they call their family and their ongoing expedition, is centered around Akela, a remarkable 1977 Mercedes Benz LA 911 B truck. While countless adventurers traverse the globe in various overland vehicles, Akela World stands out. They are a family living and working on the road indefinitely, homeschooling their child remotely, and doing it all from the unique platform of a classic 1977 Mercedes Benz. This isn’t just travel; it’s a lifestyle meticulously crafted around freedom and experience, powered by the enduring spirit of their vintage Mercedes.
Discovering Akela World online is like stumbling upon a hidden gem. Initially drawn in by their stunning photography and the impressive sight of their overland rig, deeper engagement reveals an inspiring story and ambitious future plans. An opportunity to speak with Leander offered a fascinating glimpse into their life on the road, their expansive round-the-world journey, future aspirations, and, of course, the intricate details of their beloved 1977 Mercedes Benz. Leander’s demeanor is exactly as one might expect – knowledgeable yet humble, humorous, and genuinely kind. Akela World is on the cusp of some exciting new ventures, making their story, website, and social media presence essential follows for anyone captivated by overland travel and the charm of a classic 1977 Mercedes Benz.
Life on the Move: Daily Routines in Greece and Beyond
Currently based in Greece, Leander describes their present day-to-day. Their journey began four and a half years prior in Austria, embarking on an ambitious route along the Silk Road to Vladivostok, then onward to Korea, Japan, Borneo, Indonesia, Australia, and eventually, the USA. Circumstances led them back to Europe during the pandemic. Adding a new member to their pack, a rescued street puppy from Greece, has brought both joy and logistical considerations. Intercontinental travel with a child and a dog presents unique challenges, especially given their global aspirations. While many overlanders remain within a single continent, Akela World’s vision is broader. Their rescue pup will temporarily reside with Leander’s sister, ensuring the family can continue their extensive travel plans.
The Genesis of Overland Passion: From Backpacking to a 1977 Mercedes Benz
Leander and Maria’s travel history spans 17 years, initially characterized by backpacking adventures. The shift towards overlanding began about eight years ago, coinciding with their son Lennox turning one year old. A backpacking trip to Thailand, while enjoyable, highlighted the increasing difficulties of traveling with a young child, luggage, and photography equipment. This trip sparked a realization: they were tired of rigid schedules and fleeting stays in each location. New Zealand was a long-held dream destination, but the exorbitant costs of flights and campervan rentals for an extended holiday seemed prohibitive. This led to a seemingly “stupid idea” – buying a bus and driving there. However, research revealed the impracticality of a bus due to weight restrictions, ultimately guiding them towards the robust and iconic 1977 Mercedes Benz truck.
The Choice of a Classic: Why a 1977 Mercedes-Benz LA 911 B for Overlanding?
The 1977 Mercedes-Benz LA 911 B emerged as the ideal choice for Akela World for numerous reasons. Leander emphasizes its comfort, a crucial factor for full-time living and working on the road, especially with a child. While acknowledging that no vehicle is perfect, the Mercedes truck strikes a unique balance. Its size, while advantageous in spacious countries like those in Central Asia and America, becomes a challenge in more compact regions such as Japan, Indonesia, or even Greece. Narrow roads and low-hanging branches pose constant obstacles, sometimes limiting accessibility. Speed is another significant factor. The 1977 Mercedes Benz is undeniably slow, a point often underestimated by those accustomed to modern vehicles. Navigating the Pamir Highway, for instance, meant averaging just 100 kilometers in 10 hours daily. This pace can become critical when visa durations are limited. Despite these challenges, Leander affirms his deep appreciation for the truck, considering it the “perfect vehicle for us.”
Three primary factors guided their purchase of this specific 1977 Mercedes Benz model. Firstly, its predominantly mechanical nature, with minimal reliance on electronics, was a key consideration. They anticipated that in less industrialized nations, mechanical repairs would be more readily achievable. However, this assumption proved partially incorrect, as skilled mechanics for older vehicles are becoming increasingly scarce, even in Central Asia. Secondly, the perceived global availability of Mercedes spare parts was a strong draw. While Mercedes parts are indeed more accessible than those for many other brands, true global accessibility proved to be an overestimation. Yet, the most compelling reason, as Leander candidly admits, is the truck’s undeniably charming “face.” Its friendly appearance instantly evokes smiles, a stark contrast to more military-looking trucks like the MAN KAT. For Akela World, the 1977 Mercedes Benz is not just a vehicle; it’s an ambassador of goodwill, designed to foster connection rather than intimidation.
Akela: Naming the 1977 Mercedes Benz after a Jungle Book Icon
The name “Akela” for their 1977 Mercedes Benz is derived from Disney’s Jungle Book. Akela, the wise and respected leader of the wolf pack, held a special place in Lennox’s childhood, being his favorite book. Inspired by the narrative of raising a child in the wild, Akela World envisioned turning their son into a modern-day Mowgli, drawing inspiration from the story’s themes of nature and freedom. In their family dynamic, Akela, the 1977 Mercedes Benz, embodies the role of the leading wolf, guiding and protecting their pack on their global adventures.
The Grueling Build: Transforming a 1977 Mercedes Benz into an Overland Home
The transformation of the 1977 Mercedes Benz into a fully functional overland home was, in Leander’s words, “hell.” As a photographer with a creative background, he lacked prior mechanical or electrical expertise. They acquired the truck in remarkably original condition for approximately €20,000, including a motorbike. It featured a basic camper setup from a previous owner, but it was outdated and in need of a complete overhaul. Initially, Leander hoped to salvage components like solar panels, water tanks, and the fridge, budgeting around €30,000 for the build. However, reality soon deviated from his optimistic plan. Almost everything they initially intended to reuse proved to be unusable, except for the robust 1977 Mercedes Benz truck chassis itself.
The project commenced with a complete dismantling of the Mercedes to address extensive rust issues. A pivotal decision point emerged: commit fully or abandon the ambitious project. At the outset, Leander’s naiveté was, in retrospect, a blessing. Had he fully grasped the magnitude of the undertaking, he might never have begun. Seven years ago, resources for such builds were less accessible than today. Ultimately, they persevered, committing to the arduous process. Leander dedicated himself full-time, working seven days a week for two years on the 1977 Mercedes Benz. Days were spent working on the truck, nights were consumed by research, learning the necessary skills for the next day’s tasks. The learning curve was immense, the process brutal, and it strained their relationship. They succeeded, but the build cost tripled their initial budget. Rebuilding it today, armed with experience, would be significantly more cost-effective, but the arduous journey was an invaluable education in itself, transforming a 1977 Mercedes Benz into a unique overland home.
Global Routes: Akela World’s Journey in a 1977 Mercedes Benz
Akela World’s extensive overlanding route, meticulously documented on their website akela.world, showcases the remarkable journey undertaken by their 1977 Mercedes Benz. This interactive map provides a visual testament to their global adventures, illustrating the diverse landscapes and cultures encountered along the way.
Navigating Challenges: Bureaucracy and Roads Less Traveled in a 1977 Mercedes Benz
While challenging roads in regions like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia tested the 1977 Mercedes Benz at times, Leander emphasizes that by this point, approximately 60 percent of the truck has been replaced or refurbished. His accumulated knowledge is so extensive that he could now author a comprehensive repair manual for this specific model. Consequently, the 1977 Mercedes Benz has proven remarkably reliable. Central Asia presented its share of demanding terrains, but the most significant hurdle they faced was entering Australia, not due to terrain, but bureaucracy and stringent quarantine regulations. Navigating challenging roads is a matter of personal choice and self-reliance. However, border crossings depend entirely on external authorities, introducing unpredictable complexities. Bureaucracy, especially when entering countries like Australia, has been a more formidable challenge than any road.
The Australian experience exemplifies this point. After a year in Indonesia, an entire month was dedicated to meticulously cleaning the 1977 Mercedes Benz in Bali, using toothbrushes to ensure compliance with Australia’s strict biosecurity standards. Lennox attended international school during this period as the cleaning process consumed all available time. A warning from sponsor Dometic about asbestos components heightened the complexity. Unbeknownst to Leander, the 1977 Mercedes Benz contained asbestos parts like gaskets and brake pads, ironically often more reliable than modern alternatives. They had to fly a friend from Austria to Indonesia with replacement parts to eliminate all asbestos components. Simultaneously, a helpful Australian asbestos surveyor, contacted through Facebook, flew from Perth at their expense to thoroughly inspect the entire truck and send questionable samples to a lab, all free of charge. Despite the immense effort, border entry remained uncertain. The border official they encountered, however, was more intrigued by their story and the classic 1977 Mercedes Benz itself. After a brief 10-minute conversation focused on their journey, he declared the truck “very clean” and granted them entry, demonstrating that human connection can sometimes transcend bureaucratic hurdles.
Family Modifications and Travel Tips for a 1977 Mercedes Benz Overland Life
Modifications to the 1977 Mercedes Benz specifically for family life were minimal. The “alcove,” a separate sleeping area positioned above the cab, provides privacy for Leander and Maria. Lennox has his designated sleeping space in the rear of the truck, ensuring personal space for everyone. Beyond this, child-specific modifications were not extensive.
Travel tips for families, particularly those considering homeschooling, are nuanced and depend on the child’s age and the family’s objectives. For school-aged children like Lennox, parental mindset and travel duration are crucial factors. Extended travel often shifts perspectives, altering one’s view of life and societal norms. Initially, school schedules imposed time constraints, but they soon embraced homeschooling, deviating from standardized curricula. Instead, they focus on practical, real-world education, a time-intensive but deeply enriching approach. Their travel philosophy transcends sightseeing; it’s about meaningful interaction with diverse environments as a family.
A key tip for homeschooling parents is to cultivate their own curiosity and love for learning. Traditional history lessons often present fragmented facts, lacking global context. However, on the road, history unfolds organically, revealing interconnected narratives. This experiential learning excites both parent and child. Leander uses personal anecdotes, referencing shared experiences like observing orangutans in Borneo to contextualize rainforest studies for Lennox, a personalized approach difficult to replicate in conventional schooling. Lennox’s burgeoning curiosity is a primary motivator for their continued travels. Leander believes that more families traveling with children would foster a more open-minded, less systemically conditioned generation, grounded in real-world experiences rather than insulated perspectives.
Key Modifications and Favorite Features of the 1977 Mercedes Benz
Leander highlights their Goodyear tires as a standout modification. Despite their expense, they have proven invaluable, enduring global terrains without a single flat tire and retaining an estimated 40 percent of their lifespan. Redundancy is a core principle in their modifications. Alongside a diesel heater, they installed a wood burner, recognizing the reliability of analog systems over potentially fragile technology. While more labor-intensive, these robust backups ensure self-sufficiency. The 1977 Mercedes Benz operates on a 24-volt system, while the living area uses 12 volts. A secondary alternator charges batteries while driving, supplemented by solar panels for both front and rear battery banks, prioritizing power reliability above all else.
Mechanical modifications are deliberately kept minimal to maintain simplicity. A turbocharger to boost horsepower was considered but ultimately rejected due to potential reliability concerns. While increased power would be beneficial on inclines, maintaining the 1977 Mercedes Benz’s inherent simplicity is prioritized.
Wisdom for Classic Vehicle Overlanders: Embracing Slow Travel in a 1977 Mercedes Benz
Leander’s advice for those considering overlanding in a classic vehicle like a 1977 Mercedes Benz is unequivocal: carry spare parts. While not initially a Mercedes “nerd,” necessity has transformed him into a capable mechanic. Sourcing spare parts in various countries became an unexpected hobby. Choosing a classic vehicle necessitates accepting slower travel. This acceptance, however, fosters a more deliberate approach to travel, encouraging deeper immersion and appreciation. Furthermore, Leander argues that older vehicles, contrary to common perception, can be more environmentally friendly than newer models.
Initial criticisms about the environmental impact of their older truck were met with frustration. Akela World is deeply committed to environmental consciousness and conservation. While acknowledging the 1977 Mercedes Benz’s higher fuel consumption (22-23 liters per 100 kilometers), comparable to similar trucks but less than larger 10-tonne vehicles, Leander emphasizes its holistic environmental footprint. As a 45-year-old recycled vehicle, its embodied energy is significantly lower than that of manufacturing a new vehicle. Moreover, their diesel consumption encompasses their family’s total energy needs, eliminating reliance on extensive electricity grids and reducing their overall footprint compared to average households. While acknowledging it’s not a perfect solution, they view their 1977 Mercedes Benz as a consciously chosen, more sustainable option.
Follow Akela World’s Adventures:
Website: akela.world
Instagram and Facebook: Akela World
Akela World in the Overland Journal: Spring 2021
1977 Mercedes Benz LA 911 B Specifications:
Mercedes-Benz LA 911 B Bj1977
Power: OM352 130hp
Suspension and Drive: Original setup Pneumatic transfer case Rear diff lock 4WD
Wheels and Tires: Steel wheels Goodyear Ultra Max 315 80 R22.5
Recovery and Armor: Aluminum sand ladders Shovel Strong arms and lots of endurance
Accessories: Hobbit wood stove Eberspächer Airtronic D4 heater Dometic Coolmatic CRX 110 Dometic awning perfect roof Dometic SunLight cooking stove Crank Again jumpstart setup 2 x 250-watt solar panels
Fuel Capacity: 200 litre + 300 litre fuel tank
Water Capacity: 300-litre water tank Water jack fresh 4h water filter
Resources:
Dometic.com
Goodyear.eu
Eberspacher.com
famous-water-shop.com
