Highlights
- Driven from London to Morocco in 2023; 5,000 miles in five weeks with no breakdowns despite 48-degree heat for much of the trip
- Built as an off-grid overlanding truck while retaining all seven seats
- Elevating roof tent and copious camping accessories included
- Four major services in less than two years
- Ex-MOD Defender with a comprehensive maintenance history
- ULEZ compliant
- Huge specification list included below; build process documented on YouTube
The Appeal
Many of us dream of overland adventure, but few realise that ambition. If you're keen to tick off a big roadtrip, (or indeed 'off-roadtrip') your bucket list, then this purpose-built Defender has proven itself fit for purpose.
This ex-MOD 110 was de-mobbed in the summer of 2021 at 55,000 miles. The vendor recognised it as a great example, with very good service history, prompting them to buy the Defender from the dealer the MOD had released it to. Unlike most large 4x4s, it's ULEZ compliant and the vendor has used it as their London daily driver. But this Landy's story doesn't end there...
The vendor recounts:
"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."
"Having spent a great deal of time both building and travelling with this Defender, here are the vendor's reflections on its merits:
"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.
This ex-MOD 110 was de-mobbed in the summer of 2021 at 55,000 miles. The vendor recognised it as a great example, with very good service history, prompting them to buy the Defender from the dealer the MOD had released it to. Unlike most large 4x4s, it's ULEZ compliant and the vendor has used it as their London daily driver. But this Landy's story doesn't end there...
The vendor recounts:
"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."
"Having spent a great deal of time both building and travelling with this Defender, here are the vendor's reflections on its merits:
"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 neighbour. 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."
The History and Paperwork
- Advisory-free MOT until 24th November 2025
- 76,220 miles
- 2014 model year RHD example
- Previously owned by the MOD until 2021
- Released from service and purchased by the vendor from a dealership in January 2023
- Full service history from the MOD and dealership
- Regularly serviced under current ownership: four major services in less than two years
- The vendor is a YouTuber who has documented the build process on their channel
The Condition
- Exceedingly clean original chassis
- Not used for off-roading
- Exterior has some marks from regular use and a dent on the rear passenger door from the vendor's Morocco trip - hence why the opted against repair
- Interior presents superbly, largely original with additional USB chargers
- Exmoor Trim seat covers on front seats
- Removable armrests and vanity mirrors on sun visors
- Single rear seat can be replaced with a fridge/freezer platform
- Security locker under the cubby box
- All instruments and switches reportedly function correctly
- All the camping gear will come with the defender with the exception of the stove; 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 children) in the roof tent and up to 3 in the awning room
The Mechanics
- 2.2-litre TDCi
- Six-speed manual gearbox
- Permanent four-wheel-drive; selectable low-range
- 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
- 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
- Trackers fitted with 24/7 monitoring at the centre and tracking on your phone
- Hidden ignition immobiliser
- Adrenalin 4x4 Pedal lock
- Disklok Steering lock
The vendor adds:
"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 is 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 (Maybe May time is more sensible). The chassis is in excellent condition! You will be surprised!
"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 is 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 (Maybe May time 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!"
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