2004 Land Rover 110 Defender

Engine - 2.l TD5
Transmission - 5 Speed Manual
Suspension - 130 /110 Heavy Duty (GVM upgraded)
Tyres - 235/85R16 Maxxis RAZR MT
Equipped For - Overlanding

What made you choose the Defender?

We were looking for a vehicle to fit our needs, which were mostly surf trips, short adventures and eventually to explore Australia. We wanted a four wheel drive because you need one to access so much of Australia. We had narrowed it down to the 110 Defender or a Troopy. Both are great off-road vehicles that are very versatile in how you can equip them. I’ve always loved the way the Defender looks and it’s iconic style but there are a lot of benefits to a Troopy in Australia too. For me there were positives and negatives to both and I would have been happy with either if I’m honest. The Defender just came on to the market at the right time with low KMs, in great condition and a fair price. We haven’t looked back since, we love it. 

How much work did you need to do to it to get it trip ready?

With some fuel and water jerrys, an esky and a swag or bed setup she would have been ready to go when she rolled off the truck. But that’s not what we decided to do. Originally this Defender is an ex-army TD5 and was full camo but I had a different vision for her. We got her just as we went into lockdown in Sydney so I decided to make it a project. 

We stripped her down completely in the shared parking basement underneath our apartment block and set about sanding and prepping her for a full internal and external respray. We galvanised as many of the steel parts as possible and replaced as many nuts, bolts, fasteners and components with stainless steel or aluminum to avoid rust. We also reupholstered the dash, roof and seats and made sure to update her with modern electrical components like led lighting, a modern head unit etc. We did all this ourselves with some help from very good friends to get the sanding done! 

It probably took us about 9 months to get the resto-mod finished. But honestly, that wasn’t needed to get her ‘trip ready’. After that we splashed out and had a pop-top roof installed which just completely changed how you use a truck like this, it means you can truely live in it. Then we built the cabinetry ourselves over 4 days with the help of a friend and then I finished off by installing the 12v and water systems myself. We have heaps of USB charging, 2500w inverter, 200ah lithium battery, 350w solar, 65L of water and induction cooking. The build probably took 10-11 months total. 

What are the future plans for the Defender?

Mostly, to use her to explore, have fun and see as much as we can. We don’t have many plans in terms of the build. She does everything we ask of her and we love the way she is set up. I have a wish list of bits and pieces but none of it I need, if something breaks then I’ll upgrade it with my wish list part but in the mean time we are just going to enjoy her. We are heading into the NT now so can’t wait to put her to good use and explore as much as we can. 

What's been your favourite place you’ve visited around Aus so far?

Wow! That’s a hard question. Different places have been our favourites for different reasons. Some because of the landscapes, some because of the cultural experiences or people and others because the hiking, hanging out or surfing has been so bloody fun. 

Top of the list though:

- Waddananggu Ceremonial Camp 

- Pajinka via the Old Tele track 

- K’gari

- Ikara 

Photos by Oli Dykes