An overlanding and adventure driving legend has died. Loren Upton was in the first team to cross the Darién Gap by land and drove around the world on a north-south course, part of a journey that would take more than 40 years to complete. Upton is survived by his wife, son, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter. He was 87.
Born in Southern California in 1935, Upton joined the Marine Corps in 1952 and served for 4 years. Following an honorable discharge, Upton began a career in bridge and highway construction — experiences that provided the challenge he needed in his life and that helped build the skills needed to head to some of the most inhospitable terrain in the world. And then, drive across it.
Like many of us, Loren was fascinated by tales of the world’s great explorers: their goals, their journeys, and their stories.
To put his own mark on the world, Upton set a life goal of becoming the first person to circumnavigate the globe in an American-made vehicle. »
