Half-Safe: The Amphibious Jeep That Circled the World
You've probably heard stories about remarkable vehicles that changed history, but you may not know about Half-Safe, the amphibious jeep that achieved what many thought impossible. What started as a military reject became the first vehicle to circumnavigate the globe by land and sea, thanks to one man's unwavering determination. It's a tale that blends engineering ingenuity with raw human persistence, and its legacy continues to inspire adventurers today.
From Military Failure to Adventure Vehicle
While the Ford GPA was intended to revolutionize amphibious military operations, it proved to be a spectacular failure in combat. The military design was too heavy, causing the vehicle to sit dangerously low in water, and its performance on land fell short of expectations. Much like the tragic AAV incident in 2020, these vehicles suffered from mechanical failures that put crews at risk.
Despite producing 5,000 units, many GPAs sank during beach landings, falling far short of their intended purpose. The original intention was to build 12,000 total units, but production was halted due to the vehicle's poor performance.
But what the military rejected, one adventurous soul embraced. Ben Carlin saw potential where others saw failure, purchasing a surplus GPA for $901.
Through extensive vehicle modifications, including an extended body, enlarged fuel tanks, and an enclosed cabin, he transformed the unwanted amphibian into "Half-Safe."
These improvements addressed the original design's limitations, creating a vessel capable of both ocean crossing and land travel.
Meet Ben Carlin: The Man Behind Half-Safe
A tenacious Australian engineer named Ben Carlin transformed a failed military vehicle into a record-breaking amphibious craft. Born in Western Australia in 1912, his adventurous spirit emerged early as he pursued mining engineering at the Kalgoorlie School of Mines.
After serving in the Indian Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, Carlin's life took an unexpected turn when he married American Elinore Arone. Together, they set out on an ambitious honeymoon – crossing the Atlantic in a modified Ford GPA they named Half-Safe. The vehicle was purchased for US$901 at auction in Washington, D.C. The couple began their journey with 30 days of supplies from Nova Scotia.
Though Elinore left the journey in Australia due to exhaustion, Ben persisted. Over ten years, he traveled more than 17,000 kilometers by sea and 62,000 kilometers by land, spending roughly $35,000 on the expedition.
Today, Half-Safe stands as a symbol of his determination at Guildford Grammar School, his alma mater.
Transforming a Ford GPA for Global Travel
The Ford GPA required three major modifications to transform it from a military vehicle into Half-Safe, Carlin's globe-trotting home.
To tackle travel challenges, he extended the vehicle's body to fit a massive 200-gallon fuel tank, fundamental for crossing vast stretches of ocean. You'll notice his modification techniques focused on practicality – adding an enclosed cabin that served as both living and sleeping quarters. The original GPA design had proven itself to be quite problematic, with its unarmed configuration making it unsuitable for combat operations.
The final significant change addressed the GPA's water performance. Carlin installed a larger propeller to boost the vehicle's water speed and efficiency, a critical upgrade considering the original design's buoyancy issues. Ultimately, his ambitious modifications enabled an incredible journey covering 11,000 nautical miles at sea.
These transformations turned a basic military amphibious vehicle weighing 1.75 tons into a capable global explorer that could handle both rough seas and challenging terrain.
Conquering the Atlantic: A Tale of Persistence
Determined to prove skeptics wrong, Ben Carlin launched his first Atlantic crossing attempt from New York Harbor in June 1948, marking the start of a grueling two-year journey filled with setbacks.
You'll find his persistence tested through four failed attempts, each thwarted by challenges ranging from steering problems to carbon monoxide leaks and seasickness. During one attempt, the crew had to be rescued by tanker after drifting helplessly for a week at sea.
Success finally came in July 1950 when Carlin's modified Half-Safe, now equipped with additional fuel tanks and improved rudders, departed Halifax. Elinore and Ben's relationship faced intense strain as severe seasickness plagued their voyage.
The 32-day ocean navigation put both crew and vehicle to the ultimate test.
Despite extreme weather and mechanical setbacks, Half-Safe's mechanical resilience prevailed as it crossed via the Azores to Portugal.
What started as a widely doubted venture became a historic achievement, proving that an amphibious Jeep could indeed conquer the Atlantic.
The Epic 10-Year Journey Around the World
Successfully crossing the Atlantic was just the beginning of Half-Safe's remarkable story. The epic challenges that followed included traversing the Middle East, South-East Asia, and the Far East before tackling the Pacific Ocean.
You wouldn't believe the determination it took to complete this global adventure, which spanned an incredible 50,000 miles over 10 years. Ben Carlin's original inspiration came from seeing an amphibious Jeep during World War Two.
The journey wasn't without its setbacks. After Carlin's wife departed, he continued with new partners, including an Australian and an American journalist. They'd pause for fundraising in Australia and repairs in England before resuming in 1954.
After conquering the Pacific from Japan to Alaska, Half-Safe toured through the United States and Canada. The vehicle carried an impressive 735 gallons of fuel for its Atlantic crossing attempt, demonstrating the extensive modifications needed for such ambitious voyages. In May 1958, the modified amphibious Jeep finally returned to Montreal, cementing its place in history as the only vehicle of its kind to circle the globe.
Legacy and Preservation at Guildford Grammar School
Following Ben Carlin's death in 1981, Half-Safe found its permanent home at Guildford Grammar School in Western Australia, where it's housed in a custom-built glass enclosure. The school acquired the vehicle in 1984, preserving this remarkable piece of history for future generations.
The Charlotte Carlin Scholarship was established to honor Ben's mother and her contribution to education. While you can't see Half-Safe operating on water anymore, its display significance extends beyond mere exhibition. You'll find it serves as a powerful educational tool, inspiring students and visitors with its incredible story of circumnavigating the globe.
The school has maintained its commitment to water education, with 145 students participating in vital water safety training at Stronghills Dam. The school's archivist, Rosemary Waller, provides detailed information about the vehicle's history, and occasionally, Half-Safe becomes roadworthy for special events.
Through books, documentaries, and educational programs, the amphibious Jeep's legacy continues to demonstrate the educational impact of human perseverance and adventurous spirit.
