Stella – Our Home on Wheels for the next year

Stella is the name of our Land Rover Defender 110. For those of you who know Loyal, then you will know that he kinda has a “thing” for Defenders. He completed an internship as a Land Rover mechanic in 2000 and since then has always looked at the Defender with a twinkle in his eye. Astrid also has a “thing” for Landy’s, and it was her dream that her first car be a Defender. She too completed an internship as a mechanic at a dealership and enjoys driving Stella more than she admits. So, as the discussion turned to which vehicle should be used for our adventure around the African continent – the choice was clear. It had to be a Defender.

We found Stella in September of 2011, and immediately fell in love. She is pretty much stock and had only slight modifications to the interior. But is in great condition. We are still finishing up the preparations but below are the technical specifications:

  • Built in 2008
  • TD4 Turbo Diesel Engine: 4 Cylinders, 2.3L, 122HP, 360Nm @ 1900rpm
  • 6 Speed manual gearbox (permanent 4 wheel drive) with High/Low range

We will be making /have made the following modifications:

  • Roof Rack for
  • High Lift Jack, Shovel, Axe, Martson Plate, and other fun stuff
  • Aux. Lights just in case (though we are not planning to drive at night)
  • Superwinch + Modified bumper
  • Aux. Diesel tank (min. range should be about 1000km)
  • Heavy Duty shock and struts (to deal with the increased weight)
  • Sealed wheel bearing caps
  • BF-Goodrich All Terrain Tires (6 x)
  • Interior Modifications
  • Sitting/Sleeping space
  • Cabinets for storage
  • Gas Cooker & Propane cooker
  • Refrigerator
  • Porta-Potty (for emergency use only!!!)

We are following the KISS principal – Keep It Simple (Stupid). And we are keeping as much as possible standard. We will be driving with spare parts (the classic parts which wear out). And hope that Stella enjoys the adventure as much as we do – but does not cause any unforeseen adventure!