On March 8, 2018, with Brigitta on board, I did a Salto Mortale on the Carretera Austral, in southern Chile, which luckily ran smoothly: Mahangu, however, suffered some damage from this rollover. He was first in a Toyota garage and then for four weeks at a Taller mecanico (Carrossier) in Coyhaique, where the vehicle was made roadworthy again. But a few dents remained; they reminded me every day of how lucky we were …

In Atotonilco el Alto, very close to Charly, there is a famous carrossier who is known by his nick name Yuka. There we registered Mahangu for a face lifting. Before that, we or better Brigitta disassemble the sand rails and jerry can holders. (I shy away from tools in my hand like the devil the holy water!) 

On Monday, May 25th, 2020 we drove Mahangu to Yuka. The work would take three days and cost around 6,500 Mx pesos (approx. CHF 320.–). (Three days of work would cost the same amount in Swiss Francs in Switzerland!) On Wednesday June 27th, 2020 we picked up Mahangu from Yuka. We didn’t recognize him at first glance! This beautiful white Toyota should be ours? The vehicle that has 410,000 km on the odometer? The one that took us around the world and survived a rollover? Simply awesome what Yuka and his crew can do! Compliment!

PS. I own a Mercedes Cabriolet 3.8 SL, model 1985, at home and am considering whether I should also drive it to Yuka …