In the world of overlanding, there’s arguably nothing more evocative than a classic Land Rover. And while the Series I set the stage, the Defender was and continues to be the company’s defining legacy. It’s also one of a very select few vehicles widely considered a pinnacle overland platform and was engineered from the factory for the road less travelled. It’s beloved by the community and the Overland Collective team alike, and was the platform of choice for our Senior 4WD editor Graeme Bell, who has driven his Defender around much of the world with his family. He states, “Our classic Land Rover Defender [130] has been working hard since the day it rolled off the showroom in South Africa 23 years ago. ‘Mafuta,’ as she is lovingly known, worked as a farm truck for six years before being rebuilt into our overland vehicle … Mafuta then carried my family around Southern and East Africa before being shipped to Uruguay, circumnavigating South America, and driving from Argentina to Alaska.” To this end, cue today’s truly one-of-one 1995 Land Rover Defender 110 (2,525 miles since engine rebuild), which showcases a plethora of premium upgrades and is topped with a fully equipped Globe Camper. This spectacular package was meticulously curated by reputable specialists (details here) at the cost of $259,000 (receipts provided) and is available today with a $100,000 saving. At $159,000, this is not a budget rig, but it’s a fraction of the price of many off-the-shelf alternatives. In addition, it’s turnkey-ready and available today with no lead time.
From the Seller:
“A Defender 110 Icon reimagined for what comes next. The original adventure vehicle, restored for a new generation. Classic Defender design, a rebuilt engine and drivetrain for reliable power, and the modern comfort of a Globe Camper—all in a compact, go-anywhere configuration that provides the perfect balance between heritage and freedom. I’ve always admired the Defender. The way it moves across a landscape: slow, steady, and unapologetically sure of itself. When I was in Africa on safari a decade ago, it was the vehicle that carried us into the wild. It was more than transport; it was a symbol of self-reliance and freedom. Years later, I found myself still thinking about those machines—the way they belonged to the dust and the horizon. I began following European overland builds and marveled at their craftsmanship. Then one day, scrolling through Expedition Portal, I saw it: a 1997 Defender left-hand Drive 110 high-capacity pickup, converted with a Globe Camper 130 from France. Built by Michael Woodier (UK), who worked himself as a mechanic at a Defender conversion shop, this was his baby. I bought it on the spot. Getting it into California was a journey of its own, working with Brett at Defender Traders, navigating the maze of import regulations until it was legally registered, SMOG exempt, and California-approved—a rarity in itself. But once it arrived, I immediately knew it needed more. I spent the next two years rebuilding almost everything. Every improvement honored its legacy while making it capable of the world ahead. And just as I finished, life changed. Our family of three became four. The Defender that once fit our adventures perfectly now fits our past.”
1995 Land Rover Defender 110
The Defender is fitted with a rebuilt 2.8 liter 300 TDI that produces 136 horsepower and 277 pound feet of torque and mated to a rebuilt MT82 6 speed transmission (range provided by 100-liter auxiliary fuel tank). A dependable motor is matched with legendary capability thanks to full time 4WD, high and low range, center locking differential, a lifted and uprated suspension, armor, a winch, and snorkel. Inside, these rugged attributes are balanced with driver comforts that include:
- Heated Puma seats
- New dash with Speedhut gauges
- Ministry of Defender air-conditioning
- Alcantara headliner
- SwitchPro switchgear
- Dynamat insulation/soundproofing
- Alpine Halo head unit with Morel Virtus Nano Carbon 6.5-inch speakers and 4-inch tweeter pods
- Power steering
- Cupholders
- USB and 12-volt outlets
- Floor liners
- Heated windshield
- Optimill steering wheel
Distinguishing Features
- Globe Camper 130 (full details here)
- Dakota lithium batteries 135-amp-hours (2), 400 watts of Renogy ShadowFlux solar with Victron 50 amp MPPT solar controller, Victron 800VA inverter and 25-amp DC/DC charger, and USB, 12-, and 120-volt outlets
- Fox 2.0 Performance Series reservoir shocks and uprated springs with 1.5-inch lift
- BFGoodrich KO2 tires
- Heavy duty front bumper with Warn winch
- Webasto heater
- Kitchen with propane stove and oven
- Freshwater (80 liters) with on-demand hot water and side access exterior sprayer
- Starlink roof mount
- ARB twin motor air compressor
- Spare tire mounted on rear of camper with lift system
- Storage boxes (15)
- Lightforce auxilary lighting
- LED headlights and tail lamps
This 1995 Land Rover Defender 110 Project Meridian is listed for $159,000 and is currently located in California. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original listing here.
Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
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