Land Rover Defender 110 1995 (N)

1996 Land Rover Defender 110 300TdiDefender Dreams A MagazineFeatured African Expedition Icon with Exceptional ProvenanceOpportunities to acquire a genuinely documented expedition Defender are increasingly rare. Opportunities to acquire one with named ownership, national magazine coverage, African travel history, and periodcorrect specialist preparation are rarer still.This 1996 Land Rover Defender 110 represents exactly that.Provenance & Historical SignificanceOriginally purchased in February 2007 by Paul Watson, a retired technical writer, this Defender 110 was acquired with a singular purpose:to undertake a longdistance overland expedition across Africa.The vehicles journey and preparation were documented in a multipage feature entitled Defender Dreams in Land Rover World magazine (Issue 171, May 2008). The original magazine accompanies the vehicle and provides contemporary verification of both the specification and the vehicles intended use.At the time of build, the owner invested £12,000 in the base vehicle and a further £26,000 in specialist modifications, creating a serious expedition platform at a level that, today, would be prohibitively expensive to replicate.The feature documents early African travel including a Morocco shakedown trip with onlocation photography captured in North Africa.Specialist Preparation & Build PhilosophyThis Defender was not styled to resemble an expedition vehicle it was engineered to be one.The vehicle was sourced via refurbishment specialists before being entrusted to Footloose 4X4, a respected South African overland and safari conversion company, where it underwent a comprehensive preparation programme focused on reliability, serviceability, and longdistance durability.Mechanical refurbishment went far beyond cosmetic upgrades and included the systematic renewal and uprating of the vehicles critical systems.Mechanical & Drivetrain HighlightsBrand new factory 300Tdi engine replacement (genuine Land Rover or superior components)Automatic transmission conversion/replacementTwo brand new axlesPegged transfer boxARB locking differentials (front and rear)Heavyduty suspension with upgraded springsBilstein gas shock absorbersUprated alternator and intercoolerFull renewal of hoses, belts, bushes, bearings, and braking components during buildExpedition Equipment & SystemsBuilt for extended unsupported travel, the Defender is equipped with a comprehensive expedition and electrical system specification:ARB front bumper with 24volt 8tonne GoodwinchARB onboard air inflation systemDual fuel tanks with gaugesTwin battery system featuring:Battery linking and jumpstart functionalityExternal jump pointsSolar charging systemBuiltin 240V supply with onboard charging1200watt inverterHella expedition connectors60litre water tank with integrated showerSwingaway wheel carrierRoof rack later upgraded to a Patriot expedition rackApproximately two years after the initial build, the Defender returned to South Africa where a factoryfitted Ttop roof tent and awning system were installed, reinforcing the vehicles longdistance touring credentials.Artwork & CharacterOne of the Defenders most distinctive elements is its handpainted safari artwork, applied in 2007/2008 and signed by the artist.The artwork is not decorative branding it depicts scenes and moments from the owners first African journey undertaken in this very vehicle. Painted by a personal acquaintance of the original owner, it gives the Defender a level of individuality and storytelling that cannot be replicated and speaks to the spirit of the vehicles creation.The exterior is finished in Bonatti Grey, a classic and understated Land Rover colour that suits the Defenders purposeful stance and expedition character.Mileage & Official HistoryFollowing the extensive rebuild and preparation, the vehicle underwent inspection for issuance of an international carnet, at which point the DVLA recorded the mileage as 0.The Defender later passed into subsequent ownership at approximately 17,000 miles.Since then, the vehicle has demonstrated exceptional reliability, requiring only routine consumables such as tyres, bulbs, and headlamps. All maintenance and work undertaken has been carried out by recognised Land Rover specialists, with no expense spared and no shortcuts taken.A Defender for the Serious CollectorThis Defender stands apart from typical overlandstyle builds by virtue of its verifiable history, documented origin, and realworld expedition use.It offersNamed original ownershipA national magazine feature with full specificationAuthentic African expedition historyPeriodcorrect specialist preparationUnique signed artwork with narrative significanceIn a market increasingly dominated by cosmetic builds and retrospective conversions this Defender represents a rare chance to acquire a true expedition vehicle with provenanc, Welcome to Base Van. Here we have the time to find you the right van at the best prices. We have a team of experienced engineers who are on hand to ensure the vehicle you purchase will be perfect for your conversion dreams. All of our vehicles are sold with guarantee. 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