I spent too much time in high school daydreaming with a well worn copy of Land Rover Owner International magazine. In 1990's small town Ontario, Canada this magazine was difficult to come by; I had one issue. The feature travel article told the story of a Namibian desert crossing in a desert tan, 3 door 110 powered by the proven reliability and economy of the 200 turbo diesel engine (TDI). The traveler wrote of a vast desert of shifting dunes and of tracks pockmarked with land mines from the recent war for independence. His photo’s showed a weather worn Defender made unstoppable with long range fuel tanks, mechanical spares, and tough 9.00×16 tires. This, to me, was the epitome of freedom and adventure.
Our Defender 110 TDI was purchased shortly after the birth of our daughter Astrid. Michelle and I had adapted well to life in our short wheelbase Series III, Eore, by devoting load capacity primarily to fuel, water, recovery equipment, tools, and spare parts. For our camp gear we utilized lightweight backpacking equipment to keep our gross vehicle weight well within Eore's capactiy. Astrid's arrival required we rethink everything and provided a perfect excuse to seek out a Defender 110 to haul the comforts and amusements kid’s move around with.
Our Land Rover 110 is powered by a 300 TDI and R380/LT230 drivetrain - all mounted on a galvanized chassis. Sticking with the Donkey theme, we have named him “Brighty” after the loveable pack animal in Marguerite Henry’s book “Brighty of the Grand Canyon”; a book I was read as a child by my mother.
