Nothing says off-roader quite like the iconic British Land Rover Defender. However, the concept of Overlanding truly unleashes all that a Defender is capable of. If you’re looking to sit behind the wheel of a vehicle that can provide a true off-roading experience, then you need to invest in an Overland Defender. Discover the rich legacy of the Land Rover Defender and the many benefits an Overland Defender can add to your off-roading experience.

The Land Rover Defender Is the Ultimate Overland Vehicle

The first Defender was released in the U.K. in 1983 as an offshoot of the Land Rover Series III. Despite being the first “Defender,” this soon-to-be quintessential British vehicle was not yer classified as a Defender. In fact, the initial production was referred to as the Land Rover One Ten. The name simply corresponded to the wheelbase measurement in inches.

Soon after the One Tens began rolling off the production line, Land Rover began producing the Ninety and the 127. Interestingly, Land Rover decided to market Land Rover One Ten and Land Rover Ninety with the names spelled out. In comparison, the company chose to market Land Rover 127 numerically. Along with this interesting difference, the One Ten and Ninety were both jeep-like offroaders, whereas the 127 was a four-door offroader with a truck bed.

So, where does the “Defender” legacy come into play? In 1989, Land Rover made a move to introduce a new line of “Discovery” vehicles. To avoid confusion between the two styles, Land Rover gave the original One Ten, Ninety, and 127 the name of “Defender.” Along with the obvious name change, the biggest transition in the classic Defender lineup came to the Land Rover 127, and the offroader became known as the Defender 130. In comparison, the Land Rover One Ten and Land Rover Ninety simply became known as the Defender 110 and the Defender 90.

Despite the marketing changes the Defender lineup went through in 1989, the vehicles continued to remain synonymous with the concept of off-roading. Even three decades later, the iconic Defender lineup remains at the top for anyone looking for the ultimate offroader. You’ll get no argument from us that Defenders are great in their original form. However, outdoor enthusiasts can get even more out of their off-roading experience when the Defender meets Overlanding.

What is Overlanding?

The term Overlanding simply refers to vehicle-dependent travel, with the journey as the main goal, not the destination. Simply put, Overlanding is about exploring the world, and for adventure seekers, there’s nothing better than an Overland Defender.

A restored Overland Defender allows all off-roading enthusiasts the unique opportunity to explore unknown territories on the best four wheels possible. An Overland Defender simply offers an unparalleled off-roading experience. So, what are the true capabilities of an Overland Defender? Well, Overland Defender gear is completely customizable. No two Overland Defenders are completely the same. However, some of the primary Overland Defender customizations include tires, camping gear, safety gear, and tech.

Overland Defender: Tire and Wheel Customizations

One key customization of an Overland Defender is a set of all-terrain tires. Some of the key considerations when selecting Overland tires include tire size, gross vehicle weight, and terrain type. In terms of tire size, you will need to consider clearance height when planning to install taller or wider tires and rims. Overall, installing extra-tall tires is the ideal option for an Overland Defender. However, this should only be done with a lift kit to ensure ample clearance.

Overland Defender: Camping Gear Customizations

With Overlanding being all about the journey, not the destination, every Overland Defender should be equipped with versatile camping gear. The good news is that Defenders can easily accommodate a rooftop tent with either hard or soft sides. While a hardshell offers benefits as you navigate rough terrain, you need to keep in mind that a hardshell will add a considerable amount of weight to your Defender.

Overland Defender: Safety Gear Customizations

Out on the rough terrain, you'll likely to find yourself stuck at one point or another. That means you'll need a few safety items. Some necessary safety gear to add to any Overland Defender customization include recovery ropes, tow straps, winches, and off-road jacks.

Overland Defender: Tech Customizations

Tech is another essential customization area that every Overland Defender needs to handle the journey. Every Overland Defender should be equipped with a GPS, a radio, and a signal booster for safety reasons as you navigate rough, untraveled terrain. In addition, a battery jumper pack and a portable solar power battery system are also great tech customizations to add to an Overland Defender.

Bring Your Own Overland Defender to Life With ECD

Are you ready to take off-roading to a whole new dimension behind the wheel of your very own Overland Defender? Luckily, ECD can help turn your Overland Defender dreams into a reality. You can play around on our online Defender builder to test out some colors and styles for your Overland Defender restoration project. Or, if you’re ready to get started on your custom Defender build, you can contact us today to get the process started.