Mohd Daud’s Epic 20-Country Adventure in a 1968 Mercedes

A Journey of Discovery and Fulfillment

At 65, most people would be content with their golden years, but not Mohd Daud Kassim. In 2024, he embarked on an ambitious 80-day overland journey in his trusty 1968 Mercedes W114, covering a staggering 24,000km across 20 countries.

A Snowy Night in Bosnia

One memorable moment was a snowy night in Bosnia, where Daud found himself stuck in thick snow, unable to move. With no choice, he and his friends braved the freezing night to fix the snow chains themselves. Just as their hope began to wane, a group of locals appeared, and with gestures and smiles, they lifted the car and secured the chains, allowing the journey to resume.

A Testimony to the Kindness of Strangers

This was just one of many heartwarming moments during Daud’s travels, where he met kind strangers who went out of their way to help. “Most of the people I met along the way were nice, they were very friendly, very helpful. The world is actually a nice place,” he reflected.

A Lifelong Dream Realized

Daud’s love for exploration began as a child in Segamat, Johor, inspired by tales of adventure and his late uncle, a pioneer classic car collector, who participated in the legendary London-Sydney Marathon. This sparked a passion for rallying, which eventually led to his current adventure.

A Journey of Discovery, Not Just of Places

From snowy mountains to vibrant cities, Daud’s journey was not just about exploring new places but also about meeting people and experiencing their cultures. “By road, you are closer to the locals, you can understand their lifestyle, their culture … I tend to like that kind of thing,” he explained.

Overcoming Adversity

Despite some challenges, including being denied entry to Laos and having their visas declared invalid at the Kazakhstan-Russia border, Daud and his friends persevered. “We had set our minds that if any worse thing happened, we’d arrange for our car to be shipped back, then we continue by either renting a car or going by public transport,” he said.

A New Chapter in Life

For Daud, this journey represented more than just a road trip. It was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, realized at an age when many people are slowing down. “For me, retirement is a time that you complete unfinished jobs. Whatever you wanted to do when you’re young, your dreams or whatever, that is a good time. Just go for it, do it,” he advised others.

Conclusion

Mohd Daud’s epic 20-country adventure is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the human spirit. His journey serves as an inspiration to anyone who has ever dreamed of exploring the world, meeting new people, and experiencing new cultures. For Daud, retirement is not an end, but a new chapter in life, filled with possibilities and opportunities.

FAQs

Q: What was the purpose of Mohd Daud’s 80-day overland journey?

A: The purpose was to fulfill his lifelong dream of exploring 20 countries in 80 days, covering a distance of 24,000km.

Q: What was the most memorable moment during his journey?

A: One of the most memorable moments was when he and his friends were stuck in the snow in Bosnia, and a group of locals helped them fix the snow chains and secure the car.

Q: What inspired Mohd Daud to embark on this journey?

A: His love for exploration, inspired by tales of adventure and his late uncle, a pioneer classic car collector, who participated in the legendary London-Sydney Marathon.

Q: What does Mohd Daud plan to do next?

A: He plans to continue his adventures, whether it’s his next overland journey or simply cherishing life at home, with his beloved Mercedes in tow.