If it sounds hard to forget the sound of her name, Aloha VanderWaal, wait until you learn her story. A story that almost became a legend, the epic of the first woman to travel around the world in a car, something she did at the wheel of a Ford Mod-T that she acquired in 1922, when she was only 16 . A pioneering achievement that Ford seeks to replicate with a new challenge: the first world tour at the wheel of a 100% electric SUV. Vehicle? New Ford Explorer. pilot? Travel prescriber Lexie Alford, who already holds the record for being the youngest person to travel to all sovereign countries. A feat he achieved at the age of 22.
The influencer, who has named her adventure Lexi Limitless, is determined to follow in Aloha VanderWaal’s footsteps behind the wheel of Ford’s first fully electric vehicle, which will deliver unexpected surprises reminiscent of those encountered by the Trailblazer. Will bring challenges. “Aloha Wanderwell’s story is especially inspiring for women travelers, but it also inspires all of us to push our limits and explore new places,” Alford said. “I look forward to following in the footsteps of this legendary pioneer and showcasing what the electric future of travel could look like. There will no doubt be many obstacles and challenges, but that is part of the fun of travel. And I Going to document it all on social media!
For seven years, Aloha became the familiar face of an expedition in which she served as driver and translator, and which passed through 43 countries never before visited even by Western travelers. A journey that was recorded not only in his diary but also in his documentary films. A valuable film collection that is preserved today in the Smithsonian or the Library of Congress of the United States.
Courtesy of Ford
The Ford Model-T of Aloha VanderWaal, the first woman to circumnavigate the world by car, as she drives down Madrid’s Gran Vía.
The expedition, which began in Paris and passed through Madrid, went through authentic mechanical challenges, spawning anecdotes that persevered for future generations such as when they had to use kerosene instead of gasoline, crushed bananas to fat had to be changed from or bullocks had to be used. Make your way through India pulling the vehicle across muddy plains and rivers. The Model-T or Flivver was chosen for the expedition because of its reliability and ease of repair, and also because Ford provided technical support for the trip through a wide network of dealers able to supply spare parts to the travelers. Did.
Now, the journey of Lexie Alford makes two intrepid modern explorers, a meeting possible through documentaries of their time, made possible thanks to a vehicle, the new Ford Explorer SUV, which is also a pioneering car in its own way. With an aerodynamic exterior but a robust design, Ford has found the crossover that brings the best of both worlds: the SUV and the perfect car for navigating the asphalt of a new and unknown city. Its charging speed, which is capable of going from 10% battery to 80% in 25 minutes, makes it perfect to meet such a challenge. As well as its driving aids, its digital experience and its connectivity capabilities, without forgetting its spacious interiors. There’s no doubt that Lexie will repeat the Aloha feat in a car that others would love to drive.
