Advertisement for Dunlop cord tyres: What the Overlanders say about "Dunlops"

Abstract

An advertisement that incorporates a testimonial letter, a photograph of the overland driving team and a painting of the Dunlop Rubber Mills flanked by the Australian flag ringed by a tyre and a relay torch. The caption includes: 'On the completion of our long journey to Darwin and back in the Bean Car we beg to testify to the wonderful services provided by Dunlop Cord Tyres.' The letter is headed 'Sydney, September 1st, 1924' and is signed by (indecipherable initials, possibly 'G' and 'L') Simpson; M. H. Ellis/ Leader and Francis Birtles. Birtles was famous for his travels, and Malcolm Ellis was a journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald who subsequently published a book on the journey.The letter lists the places visited on the 6314 mile return trip from Sydney to Darwin and describes the difficulties of the terrain crossed. The car was a 4 cylinder 14 h.p. standard Bean car and the journey was undertaken on behalf of its English manufacturers, Messrs. Harper Son & Bean who wanted to get acquainted with Australian conditions. The journey started June 4 1924 and lasted 28 days.The motorists wear helmets and goggles and are accompanied by a blue heeler dog. Various boxes are stored in the back of the car as well as strapped onto the side along with three spare tyres.