The Pan American Highway running from Alaska to Cape Horn is broken in Panama and Colombia by the infamous Darien Gap. This is the story of how in 1972 a large international team of servicemen and scientists make the first drive from Alaska to Cape Horn and the first vehicle crossing of the complete gap carrying out important research on route - a dramatic tale of human endeavour under the most appalling conditions; JBS’s toughest project, and the launch of the Range Rover.

As one of the world’s most seasoned and respected explorers, the former Royal Engineer Colonel John Blashford-Snell has organised and led over 120 expeditions, including the first descent of the Blue Nile and the navigation of virtually all the 2700 miles of the Congo as well as the first vehicle crossing of the complete Darien Gap. Many of his expeditions were supported by the Army.

Under the patronage of Prince Charles he led the global expeditions for young people of 30 nations named Operations Drake and Raleigh.

As a soldier he saw active service around the world including Oman, where he took his Engineer Field squadron to assist the Sultan’s Armed Forces in the Dhofar conflict.

He is closely involved in helping disadvantaged young in Britain and abroad and holds many of the top awards for scientific exploration.

He is President of the Scientific Exploration Society and the Just a Drop water charity and a pioneer of innovative means of transport.