CREATING A WORLD EXPLORER
VEHICLE: Defender 110 with OM606 engine conversion
OWNER: Sam Townsend, Buckinghamshire
OCCUPATION: Mechanic/fabricator
What were you hoping to create?
A truck that I can take to the most remote parts of the world and only need a few basic tools to keep it running – and at the same time something that can surprise most things at a set of traffic lights. It also has the added bonus of sounding immense!
Suspension, wheels and tyres?
18-inch Bowler Alloys in Anthracite which have 33x12.5x18 with Toyo Open Country MTS wrapped round them.
The suspension is a combination of OME HD springs and Terrafirma Racing remote reservoir shocks and bumpstops, although I will be swapping out the springs to Eibach as the OME’S are too firm.
Tell us more about how you turned your 110 into an overland vehicle . . .
The truck is fitted with a Patriot roof rack, Bunduawn awning and Autohome Hardshell Rooftent. I have a fridge, cooker and fire pit that I take on the trips. It has a split-charge system and will be getting a diesel heater for the colder weekends to keep the other half happy!
Creature comforts?
One of the first mods I did was the Drew Wright matting in the interior which decreased cabin noise dramatically. Then I added a better sound system, Focal 5.25in woofers in the lower dash and tweeters in the top dash panel, plus a Focal subwoofer under the rear bench seat – for a Defender it’s very impressive.
Heated bucket seats, Alcantara headlining, removable Nardi steering wheel with carbon paddle shift and the Optimill steering lock.
My favourite gadget is the ARB Lynx, which lets me control the lockers, lights and accessories, has in-built GPS speedometer and compass, keeps an eye on battery voltages and if I wanted to fit air suspension could even control that!
Colour scheme and finish…
It’s Coniston Green with satin black arches. It did have colour-coded arches, but they got lost after I fitted Britpart +30mm arches for some wider wheels. When I went to change back once I’d fitted the Bowlers they had disappeared. There is a bulkhead patch which needs repairing so I’ll be getting the arches and Puma bonnet colour-coded at the same time.
Anything you’d like to add?
If you want to see more of the truck and detailed build pics then have a look at my IG page @samt89_ and to see any future projects including the next engine choice, check out the new business page @rushmereengineering!