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First motorized expedition to the South Pole

First motorized expedition to the South Pole
Who
Sir Edmund Hillary
What
First
Where
Antarctica
When
04 January 1958

On 4 January 1958, Sir Edmund Hillary (New Zealand, b. 20 July 1919; d. 11 January 2008) led the New Zealand component of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition (TAE) to the South Pole, the first party to do so in motor vehicles. The expedition used a fleet of five modified Ferguson tractors, fitted with full tracks and an extra wheel on each side. The tracks were easily removed so that wheels could be used when conditions allowed. In addition, the tractors were painted red to make them easier to spot in the snow.

The New Zealanders supported the expedition, under the overall command of the British explorer Dr Vivian Fuchs, by setting up Scott Base, and laying food and fuel depots for the British crossing party. Then, against the instructions of the Ross Sea Committee, Hillary led a "dash to the pole".