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 is the perfect balance between heritage and freedom. Built for those who prefer unpaved.
Browse these pages to explore more all the specifications and photos of this classic build.
Have more questions about this Defender build? Please reach out via this form. I appreciate your interest and will get back to you as soon as possible. - Ryan
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 — the meticulous engineering, the restraint in design, the way they elevated function into art. My head turned every time I saw one pass on the road.
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; maintained like a work of devotion. 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.