1998 DEFENDER 110 300TDI CAMEL TROPHY WORKSHOP UNIT
MAX BROWN, AUTOMOTIVE PHOTOGRAPHER, LONDON
How did you get hold of this rarity?
I had been trying to purchase this special Defender for a few years; last year the owner contacted me to let me know R172 CDU was finally for up for sale. The reason he gave me was that he did not have the time to enjoy it any more. I had to have it. So I immediately sold off all my other Land Rovers and purchased it the very next day.
Tell us about its history...
This 1998 Defender 110 was originally built for and used on the 1998 Tierra Del Fuego Camel Trophy event in South America. After the event, R172 CDU continued traversing many different continents, including Africa and Europe, before deciding to call the UK home once again. Here it played a key role in Marine Wildlife Conservation. With so many incredible adventures under its belt, it was only natural that it began to show signs of wear and tear. So in October of 2019 I began the mammoth task of correctly restoring the vehicle. I’ve now owned it for a year and we are nearly there.
Tell us about the engine
As you probably know it has a 300Tdi engine and I am going to keep it original. You have to with something so valuable, plus it has proven itself over many an expedition and tough challenges.
What have you done so far with this project?
We have given it a full nut and bolt periodcorrect restoration. The project was built on a new OEM Marsland galvanised chassis as the original was unfortunately too far gone to save. We have tried to preserve as many of the original parts as possible, including the vehicle’s faded paint and weather-beaten decals. The brief was to have R172 CDU mechanically and structurally sound, whilst preserving its adventure-worn bodywork.
What next for this legendary 110?
The next job I will be doing on it is to finishing installing the side lockers once they return from the powder coaters, plus there are a few other bits that need finishing touches.
What was the hardest part of the project?
Finding and sourcing all the period-correct items that were missing from the vehicle. This included the stereo head unit and roof rack. Also the internal Safety Devices roll-cage had been extensively modified (butchered might be a better word) to suit the previous owner’s sleeping arrangements. This required many hours to get it back to how it should be.
Who is helping me with the project?
My good friend Scott (@scott_overland) has been invaluable throughout the project, as well as the guys at Foley Specialist vehicles for supplying parts. Readers can follow the build as well as my Land Rover photography work on Instagram @maxrbrown. Hopefully they will get to see it at one of the 2021 summer shows. Fingers crossed.