Description
The Defender now needs to go to a new home after 2 years of ownership. The funds need to go towards a house purchase.
If you don't want to read my long essay below, then I'd recommend watching this full video of the 110: (link will be provided soon). In the meantime please search for Landrover Leks on youtube for videos of the build.
History
The Defender was released by MOD in summer of 2021. It had an excellent maintenance service record with detailed paperwork. It has an unbelievably clean chassis. In Jan 2023 I bought it from the dealership that it was released to. It has done 75K miles, and is still being used.
ULEZ I needed a daily driver in London, and after an extensive search, I was able to get my hands on this 110. Put the reg in the ULEZ system, and you'll see that it is exempt in London and other parts of the country.
Build
I built it as an off grid overlanding truck and drove it from London to Morocco with my partner in summer of 2023. We drove 5k miles in 5 weeks with half of that in 48 degrees heat. We completed the trip with no breakdown! Being a family of 5, I didn't want to compromise on seating space as I also needed it to function as our daily driver when we're not on camping trips. As such, it retains all 7 seats. Most importantly, it was built to look the part. The Strands lights set-up is one of the most impressive you will see on a Defender.
Maintenance
It has had 4 major services in less than 2 years, so it is well cared for.
Work done
As a youtuber, I've got videos of the majority of the work done to it. Between the videos on YouTube and the pictures in the advert, you should get a clear idea of the work done to it.
Mechanical
New intercooler and Alisport intercooler hose were installed in Feb 24, alongside a strip down and full rebuild of the axles.
The following works were completed in Nov 2024:
LOF Clutch and flywheel replaced
1-piece LOF output shaft
Injector seals replaced
Transfer box from Winchester Gears (8 weeks waiting for build slot)
All oils have been changed, including gearbox oil
Note
There's a dent on the right hand side of the rear tub, just behind the right passenger door. It was from an entanglement in France. I chose to keep it as a memory from the Morocco trip. The price reflects this.
Income
It generates passive income from rentals!
Camping Gears
All the camping gears you see in the video will come with the defender with the exception of the stove (I know). This includes the 2. 5m ARB awning room, which hasn't been used. The current set up will sleep 5-6 people with 2-3 (adult and 2 kids) in the roof tent and up to 3 in the awning room.
Security
Trackers fitted with 24/ 7 monitoring at the centre and tracking on your phone
Hidden ignition immobiliser
Adrenalin 4x4 Pedal lock
Disklok Steering lock
Storage
Cubby box with addition padding for armrest
Discreet lockable security safe under cubby box
Electricals
120w solar panel
Ctek D250SE Split Charger - solar and alternator
Victron Energy Smartshunt 500A IP65 battery monitor
Optima red top and yellow top batteries
3 USB charging sockets
3 USB Type C charging sockets
Anderson socket in front of middle-row seat for fridge/ freezer plug-in
Anderson socket fixed to roof rack for external charging and inside the roof tent
Gang switch panel on dashboard to control the lights, compressor, winch etc.
ARB air compressor under driver's seat
All the electrical set-up is carefully tucked away under the passenger seat
Overall Condition
With all the mechanical work completed, I've managed to address the main weaknesses of the defender during my ownership. This is in addition to the impeccable maintenance from MOD. As such, the defender is arguably in a better mechanical state than when it left Solihull. The only fault I've had with it was with the transfer box, which eventually broke down at a campsite in France. That is why I waited 2 months to get a T box from Winchester Gears. I would happily put my family in the defender and drive to Morocco tomorrow (Perhaps May is more sensible). The chassis is in excellent condition! You will be surprised!
I often drive across Europe with my family and also do a lot of motorway driving in the UK. The last thing I want is for us to break down in the middle of nowhere due to something I have ignored. As such, I keep it in the best condition possible. No compromise!
I won't bore you with how much it cost me. That was money I was happy to spend and I did some of the work myself. The market is down, so I've tried to keep the price competitive, and I'm happy to hear offers. I've decided that it has to go to make way for the house, so it will go.
The MOT has lapsed as it was in the workshop waiting for the Transfer box to be delivered. It will come with 12 months MOT from 28th Nov.
Thank you for viewing the advert and I'm happy to chat about the defender anytime! Please get in touch. Here is my personal reflection on why you will love this defender:
After 2 years searching, I finally came across this 110. It is special in many ways. For example, it is the only ex-MOD Defender in this colour combo that I've come across to date. The 2 most attractive points for me are the impeccable chassis and the fact that it is one of the very rare defenders that are compliant in low emission zones across the UK, including London. All the workshop I have taken it to have commented on the state of the chassis. The list of what I've done to it is endless. I bought it as a very basic defender as it left the factory, and I've added everything needed for the off grid build to it. The video, once uploaded, should provide a thorough list of modifications.
A bragging right with this defender is that I found empty bullet shells on the dashboard closer to the windscreen a few months after buying it. Such memorabilia rarely evade the decommissioning process.
If I were to describe the build in one phrase, I'd use "No Compromise". This is because I have managed to build a highly-capable off-grid camper, whilst also retaining all of the spaces inside the cabin. This has meant I could do the school-run and drive my children and their friends and parents to rugby training session.
A lot of the fitment done to the defender are bespoke and clearly designed to help retain the space inside the cabin, whilst also maintaining that bulky and cool overlanding look. For example, the jerrycan holders on the right hand side were specially designed for the 110. The fitment of the ARB Air compressor under the driver seat with a cleverly installed air valve freed up space in the cabin. The 2 batteries alongside all the electricals are all expertly installed and hidden away under the passenger seat. With everything cleverly hidden away, prying eyes have less reasons to take interest in it as it is parked on the street. Of course, I have my visible and invisible security devises to make them think twice.
And then there is the lights set up! It is the most unique and impressive lights set up on a defender. They're not just for show too. They will light up an entire neighbourhood. I know it's an overkill, but why not!
If you are the type of family that wants to explore the outdoors more, whilst enjoying showing off an iconic piece of British engineering on London's street without coughing up £12:50 on a daily basis, then you are going to love this defender. Why? Because it allows you to eat your cake and have it!
