Land Rover
Defender 130 Overlander

ABOUT THIS CAR

This 2012 Land Rover Defender 130 has lived a more interesting life than most.

Originally supplied to the British Red Cross, it began life as an emergency ambulance in the Scottish Highlands, before later spending time in Africa supporting the Save the Rhino project. Its long-wheelbase 130 chassis and ambulance body subsequently made it the ideal basis for the comprehensive overland conversion it wears today. Adding another interesting chapter to its history, it has also previously been owned by Jamiroquai frontman and renowned car collector Jay Kay.

Originally white, the Defender is now finished in dark metallic bronze with contrasting black wheelarches and bonnet. A tubular front bumper carries twin LED spotlights, a Warn 12,000lb winch and farm jack, while 16-inch Dakar Evo Corse wheels are fitted with BFGoodrich KM2 Mud-Terrain tyres. At the rear are two spare Defender Sawtooth wheels and a pair of external Bawer toolboxes, with chequer plate protection and a raised air intake completing the exterior.

The cab remains pleasingly utilitarian, with cloth seats and manual windows, but benefits from air conditioning, a Bluetooth head unit, CB radio and reversing camera.

Behind the cab, the former ambulance body has been converted into a fully self-contained camper, with a fridge-freezer, gas hob, sink, dining area, double bed, toilet and shower. A Victron solar system, inverter and regulator provide off-grid power, with three UK three-pin sockets and a fire and carbon monoxide detection system also fitted.

Under the bonnet is the familiar 2.2-litre Puma turbodiesel paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Importantly, the engine has recently undergone a complete rebuild. The Defender has covered just over 40,000 miles and is accompanied by an extensive service history.

From emergency service in the Scottish Highlands to conservation work in Africa, Jay Kay ownership and ultimately conversion into a fully equipped overlander, this is a Defender 130 with genuine history behind it. With its recently rebuilt engine and comprehensive off-grid specification, it is ready for the next adventure!