“Is that not what Defenders are for? Making dreams come true...”
Many of the expedition-type accessories were added by Nene Overland. At the time Kevin Mackman (now with Front Runner) was still working there and he helped Andrew source some of the bits, such as the additional lighting, National Luna fridge and ARB bullbar.
One of the best things about Andrew’s Defender is that there is no chance of running out of fuel. It carries 245 litres in total, so if not driven too hard it should be able to do over 1000 miles without refuelling. As for water, the 130 can carry 132 litres thanks to its two 66-litre water tanks.
Due to all this extra weight Andrew opted for double Old Man Emu shocks in the rear to improve the ride quality and he is very happy with the result. “The system has really been absolutely fantastic, thanks to the good advice from the team at Arbil who import ARB/OME goodies into the UK.”
As there is no storage space on the roof of the pop-top section, Andrew drove the 130 to Brownchurch who built a custom-made roofrack that would go on top of the front cab. It reminded me a little of the early safari-styled roof racks and was just big enough to host three Wolf boxes that all neatly fitted into a canvas cover. The rack has a floor and this helps prevent glare in the driver’s eyes when on the move. Four Warn Spots, from Flatdog, are fitted to the front of the rack. It is not just a roof rack – it’s made to Andrew’s exacting specifications.
When I climb into the front cab I notice the buttons for the compressor as well as front and back ARB lockers and have to ask Andrew if he has ever done any rough stuff in it. “There are areas on the hill here generally accessed only by tractor for feeding cattle but which the 130 happily took in its stride,” he replies. Andrew has added all the necessary must-have expedition bits inside the cab, like the Garmin 276C GPS, Mellvill and Moon seat covers, CB and radio and a metal lockable steel centre console.
The detail is like nothing I have ever seen before. The accessories list for the 130 that Andrew gave me at the show is several pages long. Detailing them all would take up about 20 pages of LRM – suffice to say that each and every addition has been done to ensure safe, comfortable and convenient travel.
A serious left knee injury almost ended Andrew’s Defender driving days, as he could not operate the heavy clutch. Installing a Red Booster Turbo Clutch Servo unit smartly solved this; he can now operate the clutch with his little toe because it is so light.
Andrew has a workshop on the farm and, ably assisted by mechanic Paul Bracey, does all the servicing and work there. Every 5000 miles he religiously changes the engine oil and filters. He only applies clear cavity Waxoyl onto his dream Defender so that he can identify any potential problem, which regular dark brown Waxoyl might cover up.
In fact he knows every bolt and bit on this Defender and does everything possible to keep it clean and in perfect working order.
So far, Andrew’s 130 has only done 33,000 miles and most of this has been in the UK and the remote Outer Hebrides. Due to a succession of serious family illnesses since the rebuild, Andrew and Elizabeth have not been able to travel as much as they would have liked. But they still dream of driving their Defender across Africa or Australia. “It is our time now for living. We have to go out and enjoy ourselves while we are still fit and healthy. We are lucky to have this wonderful Defender,” declares Elizabeth.
Andrew is slightly less optimistic and a recent farm tractor injury has made him reconsider. Is now not maybe the time to start looking for a new owner for his incredible 130? After hearing his story I cannot help but hope that he holds on to his dream Landy. Then maybe the next time I am in his part of Scotland and stop at their farm, he and Elizabeth will tell me all about their wonderful Defender 130 trips to Africa, Australia and Europe. After all, is that not what Defenders are for? Making dreams come true…