Camel Trophy 1991 Land Rover Defender 110

Among the pantheon of true expedition vehicles, few can match the reputation or rugged appeal of a Land Rover Defender that’s actually been there and done that. And in this case, “there” was deep into the East African bush during the 1991 Camel Trophy Tanzania-Burundi event. Now available for auction, this 1991 Land Rover Defender 110 is a genuine piece of that storied legacy—chassis number SALLDHMF7HA470214—and offers enthusiasts a chance to own one of the few surviving Camel Trophy vehicles with documented field use.

A Defender with a Purpose

This Defender 110 is a right-hand drive example originally commissioned as a communications support vehicle for the 1991 Camel Trophy. While most attention went to the Land Rover Discoverys piloted by national teams, support vehicles like this Defender played an essential role, offering logistical aid and communications support across remote, inhospitable terrain. As a result, it was outfitted by Land Rover Special Vehicles with a full suite of upgrades tailored for extreme overlanding.

Unlike team vehicles that endured relentless abuse from daily competition stages, this Defender saw slightly less intensive use. However, it did roll over during the expedition, and despite its current restored state, it retains signs of that rugged past—an authentic reminder that it was not built for the boulevard.

Post-Trophy Life and European Tours

After its campaign in Africa, the Defender continued its working life across Europe and the Middle East, attending additional off-road events and spending time as part of an off-road driving school fleet. Eventually, it was sold into private ownership and imported to the United States in 2021 by the current seller. It now resides in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and is offered with a clean North Carolina title, a clean Carfax report, and a British Motor Industry Heritage Trust Certificate authenticating its origins.

Under the Skin: Mechanical Work and Upgrades

Before its transatlantic journey, the Defender underwent significant servicing in the UK, including:

Full axle overhauls
Replacement of the timing belt (March 2020)
Refreshed brakes and suspension system
Driveshaft replacement
POR-15 rust protection coating applied to the frame in 2021
Chassis outrigger repairs performed in 2020

Additional work performed in the U.S. includes:

Suspension arm refinishing
Replacement of shocks, springs, and bushings
Installation of new brake rotors, calipers, and pads

The vehicle is powered by the 200Tdi 2.5-liter turbodiesel inline-four, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and a two-speed transfer case. This drivetrain has become legendary for its simplicity, durability, and low-end torque—crucial qualities for navigating extreme terrain.

A Garrett turbocharger adds extra boost, while front and rear live axles with coil springs complete the Defender’s body-on-frame, go-anywhere underpinnings.

Expedition Equipment and Off-Road Essentials

This Camel Trophy veteran wears its battle scars proudly but is also equipped to the hilt with adventure-ready gear. Factory-finished in Sandglow Yellow, the Defender was repainted during a prior ownership period and fitted with replacement body panels—though some original blemishes and dings remain. Additional features include:

Snorkel for deep water crossings
External roll cage and internal roll protection
Roof basket carrying a shovel, axe, ramps, and four jerrycans
Hella driving lights (roof and brush guard-mounted)
Jetlock handbrake system
Limb risers
Checker-plate fender steps
Ladder, taillight guards, and hood/rear door spare mounts
CB radio, recovery tools, and a reinforced rear door

The Defender rolls on 16″ body-color steel wheels wrapped in Michelin 4×4 O/R tires, although it’s worth noting that the right-rear and spare wheels are slightly narrower than the others.

Inside the Cabin: Functional and Worn

The utilitarian interior is consistent with the vehicle’s expedition role. It features:

Black vinyl front bucket seats and a rear bench
Rubber flooring for wash-down convenience
Aftermarket locking center console with cupholders
Analog clock, CB radio, and fire extinguisher
Camel Trophy campaign stickers affixed to the cargo partition

Wear and tear are visible throughout. The upholstery has tears, the headliner shows signs of sagging, and surface corrosion is present on various interior panels. One rear passenger window is non-functional, and mileage on the six-digit odometer shows 186,000 miles, with approximately 5,000 of those added by the current seller. Actual mileage is unknown.

The rear cargo area features a storage box, a hi-lift jack, and ample space for more gear. While far from pristine, the cabin tells a story few showroom vehicles ever could.

Epilogue: The 1991 Camel Trophy Tanzania-Burundi Event

The 1991 Camel Trophy was a landmark event in the history of the competition, marking its return to Africa after nearly a decade. The route spanned over 1,600 kilometers, cutting through the untamed landscapes between Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, and Bujumbura, Burundi. Teams faced treacherous conditions—including the infamous “black cotton soils” that became nearly impassable with the arrival of the rainy season.

A record 17 nations participated that year. The Land Rover Discovery 200Tdi served as the main competition vehicle, while Defender 110s like this one filled support roles. The event was grueling, with teams contending not only with the terrain but with minimal sleep and constant repairs. The Austrian team claimed the Special Tasks Award, while Turkey’s team won both the Camel Trophy and the Team Spirit Award.

This event also marked the beginning of a new scoring format, with awards given in multiple categories rather than a single overall winner, subtly signaling a shift away from the expedition ethos and toward more structured competition formats—a shift that eventually culminated in the G4 Challenge.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a collector, off-road adventurer, or Land Rover historian, this 1991 Camel Trophy Defender 110 is more than just a capable machine—it’s an irreplaceable artifact of global adventure. With documented history, battle-tested authenticity, and a long list of mechanical updates, it represents a time when vehicles were judged by the terrain they could conquer—not the creature comforts they could offer.

Now offered for sale on Bring a Trailer, this Defender is ready to continue its story—on your trail or in your garage.