Sometimes adventures begin with the restoration of a Land Rover Defender.
We leave you with the first installment of the inspiring story of Lost Between Oceans, where passion and desire make up for a lack of experience and prior knowledge.
A project started with no mechanical knowledge, just a lot of curiosity, a tight budget, a Haynes manual, and a camera to document every step.
Without a doubt, an excellent way to get started in overlanding.
Who are you, how did you meet Alexander and Laura, and how long ago?
I’m a 2003 Land Rover Defender 110 TD5, and I met Alexander and Laura about a year ago, parked on a street in Flanders, Belgium.
I was dusty, heavily dented, and nowhere near ready for the road.
I did not even pass my car inspection with the previous owner. But they saw something in me. A bit of grit, a lot of rust, and maybe… potential as the overlanding car for their world trip.
“… they tumbled headfirst into the classic Defender trap: where you ignore common sense, embrace mechanical issues, and suddenly convince yourself that rattling doors are “part of the charm.””
What made them choose you for their world trip?
They initially questioned whether to buy a Toyota Land Cruiser or a Land Rover Defender. Both cars are made for challenging 4×4 tracks and have parts available worldwide.
Their rationale was to buy the Land Cruiser, as it’s known for breaking down less than a Defender. But eventually, they chose with their hearts and fell in love with the Defender, its sleek shapes, and British history.
In other words, they tumbled headfirst into the classic Defender trap: where you ignore common sense, embrace mechanical issues, and suddenly convince yourself that rattling doors are “part of the charm.”
I did not make it easy for them as I wasn’t shiny or new. My clutch was broken, my paint was faded, I was heavily dented at the back, two doors were completely stuck (did not open or close), and I had rust in all the usual places and on the chassis.
But still, they saw something in me.
What was it like when they started taking you apart?
At first, they were pretty hesitant to start the breakdown. They didn’t grow up fixing vehicles; this was their first rebuild.
The wiring, in particular, was complex for them with all the colored cables, different plugs, and connections. Luckily, with the help of Alexander’s dad, who has always been interested in cars, they labeled everything. They documented every step with photos and videos (656 to be precise).
When the real disassembly started, things got serious.
The rusted floor plates crumbled at some spots, bolts snapped, and others refused to move, requiring the grinding machine. Other components had to be cut, hammered, or drilled out.
They learned fast: WD-40 is your friend. They took me apart completely, removed the roof, removed the seats, removed the dashboard, and lifted the entire rear tub from the chassis.
The chassis and engine were sent to Vicious Offroad, the specialist Defender workshop in Belgium. Meanwhile, the body panels went to a local high school, where STEM students rolled up their sleeves to straighten out the dents and give them a fresh coat of paint.
For Alexander and Laura, it’s especially meaningful to know that I became a hands-on project, something students could experiment with and learn from.
What’s happening in the build right now?
Right now, we’re moving into the rebuild phase, the exciting part.
The chassis has been sandblasted and powder-coated, the heavy-duty suspension and clutch have been revised, and the engine has been revised.
Finally, the repainted bulkhead went on, and now they’ve been working on the dashboard.
What have they learned so far?
More than they ever expected.
They’ve learned how to be resourceful and make something work when you don’t have the right tool (they were surprised by how many handy tools are needed to work on a car) or have no room to maneuver.
They’ve learned how to stay calm when things don’t go as planned, take breaks when frustration builds, and appreciate the small wins.
Despite all its quirks, they’ve also learned that a Defender is just a big, mechanical puzzle. Complex, yes. Frustrating, often. But ultimately quite understandable. It can be figured out with patience, time, and a few bruised knuckles.
At ADN OVERLAND, we will continue showcasing the evolution of this incredible project in future updates. You can subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here so you don’t miss out.
We’re sharing the links to the website and Instagram of “Lost Between Oceans” so you can learn more about this couple and their projects.
The journey of Lost Between Oceans highlights how proper preparation is essential for overlanding.
At EXPO ADN OVERLAND 2025, you’ll find practical workshops led by industry professionals to help you get ready to tackle the challenges of the road. From off-road driving and self-recovery to survival skills and first aid.
You’ll also have the chance to explore exhibitors, attend talks, and enjoy a great atmosphere with a like-minded community passionate about overlanding, adventure travel, and responsible exploration.
For more information about EXPO ADN OVERLAND 2025
Respect for the environment, nature, and the regulations of each country
See you on the way!
InterInterview: Overlanding the World with Albo. The Land Rover Defender Camper from Next Meridian Expedition.
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