SafariGard’s rolling product showcase—dubbed the Kalahari Edition Discovery II—was long the drool-worthy envy of Land Rover owners from all over. It disappeared some years back when SafariGard closed it’s doors, with rumors flying that it had been parted out and would never be seen intact again. One evening during last year’s Prescott Rally I was enjoying a few beers and swapping stories with Martti, the sort of stories those of us suffering “Disco Fever” know only too well. As we left the pub later that night there it was: parked right next to my Discovery was the Kalahari, alive and well. When I heard he was bringing it out again for this year’s rally I arranged to do a photoshoot and spend some time appreciating his nicely outfitted ride.
The Kalahari was already well prepared by SafariGard with lift kit, bumpers, winch, recovery points, rock sliders, skid plates, snorkel, and a custom roof rack. Since purchasing the truck, Martti’s performed a long list of upgrades and preventative maintenance including a 4.6L motor swap from a Range Rover and the all-important center diff lock:
- 4.6L Range Rover engine
- Custom louvered hood
- Center diff lock
- Tom Woods front driveshaft with dual double cardan joints
- ARB air lockers front and rear
- Drilled and slotted brake rotors with EBC Green Stuff pads
- Custom battery tray and windshield washer fluid tank
- Dual Odessey batteries
- Viking synthetic winch line
- Additional swivel recovery rings on the rear bumper
- RAM mounted tablet with NeoTreks GPS navigation
- Kenwood TM-708
- ScanGauge II
- OEM seat heaters activated with switch kit
- Trasharoo
Future planned upgrades include an improved cooling system, Perfect Switch dual battery control with self-jump feature, and Currie Antirock front sway bar with custom disconnects.
It’s nice to see the Kalahari Discovery in a good home, and I look forward to seeing it again out on the trail.
