We first made contact with Benjamin Napper more than a decade ago when he was living in Australia, working on various technical projects and dreaming of a life less ordinary. For many, a dream remains a dream, but Ben took the opportunity to start anew in Colombia after a significant change in his personal life. It is there that Ben met and fell in love with Lener, who joined him on various overland journeys around that beautiful and challenging country before the couple decided to tie the knot and take a leap into the great unknown with a very special vehicle.
Ben, a qualified motor mechanic and engineer, and Lener, a registered nurse, make a formidable team ready to tackle any challenge the road throws at them. We can’t think of a better blend of skills for an overland couple to have.
Their journey, which began with a dream to explore the far reaches of the world, led them to a vehicle that could handle it all. Ben’s fascination with offbeat vehicles led him to acquire his first 6×6 Volvo TGB in Estonia in 2015, with grand plans for extended overland travel. However, life had its own agenda, and the vehicle remained dormant in Estonia, under the watchful eye of a dear friend, until 2019.
When the decision to sell everything and embark on a new adventure in South America with Lener came, the Volvo had to go, too. But destiny had other plans. Ben’s search for another Volvo kicked off amid quarantine lockdowns and the yearning for unexplored horizons. Remarkably, within just three weeks, a friend in Finland presented them with a golden opportunity—a stunning C304 6×6 TGB13 Volvo. The price was right, the vehicle was even better than the first, and the deal was struck. Ben and Lener were once again proud owners of a TGB Volvo, ready to chase their dreams.
Before we continue, let’s have a look at the history of this exceptional truck. The vehicle was developed during the late 1960s, building upon the successful L3314 series, and commenced production in 1974. This iteration was manufactured both as a 4×4 and a 6×6. The engines employed were the B30 (initially B20 in the prototypes), sourced from Volvo’s civilian car lineup. The C3 series is characterized by portal axles featuring locking differentials, resulting in exceptionally high ground clearance, akin to the Unimog, and these vehicles boast a narrow design to facilitate navigation between trees and narrow forest roads. They were also marketed to civilian customers, including rescue services, electricity companies, and private individuals. A total of 8,718 vehicles from the C3 series were manufactured; approximately 75 percent of these found service in the military. The remaining units were sold for civilian applications and, notably, in the 1983 Paris-Dakar rally, a Volvo C303 secured victory in the truck category for vehicles weighing under 10 tons.
In Ben and Lener’s view, there is no better vehicle for overland travel than the Volvo they now call home. The vehicle is a real head-turner with all the rugged and practical good looks and adventure DNA you would expect from an ex-military 6×6. Measuring 5.5 (l) x 1.9 (w) x 2.85 (h) meters, it shares similar dimensions with your average Land Cruiser but comes with added perks. Thanks to its cab-over design, it boasts a factory-fitted box on the back, providing approximately 3.5 (l), 1.8 (w), and 1.67 (h) internal meters. The rear box is a significant selling point as the ambulance body underwent stringent engineering and rigorous testing before manufacture. Also, having a ready-built habitat means that no extensive or expensive modifications need to be made for the vehicle to serve as an all-weather and all-season exploration vehicle. One possible future upgrade to the vehicle would be a pop-top roof for the cabin, which would increase standing and living space. Unfortunately, the vehicle does not feature a walk-through from cabin to cab, but a large window connects the two.
These ex-Swedish military relics from the Cold War era feature a full ladder frame chassis, rear load-sharing leaf spring suspension, leading and trailing 3-link design for agile maneuvering, and standard portal axles with locking differentials on all three axles. The vehicle is capable of carrying large loads and is designed to do so over the most challenging terrain with ease. Despite spending all of its life in wet Europe, the frame of the Napper’s vehicle is in excellent condition with no signs of rust or corrosion.
Ben and Lener’s Volvo find was serendipitous, part of an estate sale. The deceased owner, guided by some of Finland’s most experienced offroaders, had a vision for the vehicle—one that could serve as a comfortable living space, travel at highway speeds, and navigate challenging terrains like Finnish swamps and Russian tracks. Modifications included fitting 38.8-inch Maxxis tires on custom-made beadlock wheels, constructing an external cage over the cab with a roof rack and limb risers, and adding a 12,000-pound ComeUp, 24-volt winch with in-cab control. A robust 5-millimeter steel skid plate found its place between the front chassis risers, and LED lighting illuminated the path ahead. To ensure self-sufficiency on the road, they installed a 40-liter extra fuel tank and a Hi-Lift jack. However, being a competent off-road vehicle, the Hi-Lift will unlikely be used for any other task, such as changing tires.
You’ll find the original military vinyl seats and steering wheel inside the cabin, now benefiting from power steering. A roof console houses extra VDO gauges, lighting switches, winch controls, UHF and CB radios, a multimedia head unit, and speakers, the only significant creature comforts in this rugged and utilitarian vehicle. While many others would have redesigned the cabin for long-distance touring comfort, Ben and Lener have opted to stay true to the original vehicle, retaining all the unique charm and character. There are no mod cons here: no A/C, power windows, or heated seats; the paint is original matte; and you will struggle to find any whitened teeth on this beast. The Volvo offers a raw and unique driving experience. Looking ahead, Ben plans to enhance the Volvo’s performance by installing a Mercedes OM605 turbo diesel engine, addressing the vehicle’s current straight-six gasoline engine thirst for fuel and improving uphill capabilities under load. A turbo-diesel engine will not only offer better fuel mileage but also an increase in power, and, in general, diesel is considered the fuel of choice for long-distance, global overland travel.
While practical, the original military rear box, constructed of steel frame, external aluminum panels, and internal timber, currently offers a spartan setup. Sometimes less is more, and though it is all too easy to be seduced by a million Instagram van life interiors with wood paneling, potted plants, and fluffy pets, an overland vehicle should be functional, above all else. Plans for subtle upgrades are on the horizon. Still, for now, it houses an inverter and microwave, basic drawers, hanging baskets, and the original stretcher bed brackets serve as storage space for bags, water containers, and pantry boxes. Their most cherished addition, however, is a second-hand bed and linen from Finland, perfectly nestled between the original ambulance seating, providing what they affectionately refer to as their luxurious king-size bed. Their shake-down adventure across Finland saw them making crucial upgrades, including installing a diesel heater to combat the freezing winds.
The couple’s inaugural journey in “Gordon,” the Volvo, named in honor of Ben’s adventurous grandfather, had its share of challenges. They faced an unexpected hurdle on their way from Joensuu to Lahti, just 50 kilometers into their adventure. The temperature gauge, though unreliable, showed signs of movement, leading to a sudden stop. Steam, which smelled worryingly like smoke, enveloped them, but it turned out to be a burst water hose too close to the exhaust. With a fire extinguisher leaning against the front tire and armed with limited tools, they improvised and managed to replace the hose, ensuring the journey continued. As they pressed on, they encountered overheating issues, compelling them to seek help. A helpful young man from a nearby garage assisted with tools, and together, they resolved the issue. The radiator hose had to be opened to create a circuit from the water pump to the back of the cylinder head. They continued their journey without further temperature concerns, with the Volvo back in action.
Ben and Lener’s journey has taken them through mud, sand, snow, water crossings, and dense foliage. Despite the rugged terrain, the Volvo, with its portal axles, six-wheel drive, diff locks, 38-inch tires, and external cage, proved more than capable of handling the challenges. These vehicles have an excellent reputation as off-road vehicles.
Currently in South Poland en route to Romania, their itinerary remains flexible, with alternative routes being considered in light of the ever-changing global situation. Africa looms as a tantalizing possibility, showcasing the couple’s adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace the unknown. Ben and Lener’s overland journey is a testament to the power of dreams and the boundless adventures that await those willing to venture off the beaten path. As they continue to chase horizons, their story serves as an inspiration for fellow travelers and adventurers around the world.
C304 6×6 Specifications
1978 Volvo TGB13 ex-ambulance
Power
3-liter, 6-cylinder B30 petrol engine
Transmission
Four-speed manual gearbox with shift on the fly high-low range
Axles and Suspension
Portal axles with three differential locks
Tires and Wheels
Maxxis M8090 38.5-inch tires on steel beadlock wheels
Accessories
- Exo cage with 12,000-pound ComeUp winch
- Roof lighting
- Microwave
- Hi-Lift jack
- Extra 40-liter fuel tank
We have enjoyed Ben’s journey over the last decade and look forward to seeing what the coming years have to offer. You can follow Ben and Lener’s adventure on Instagram @tgb_adventure.
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