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article & images by Cliff Guy

Disclaimer: All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of information provided in this article, however this information is offered to the reader as the author’s opinion, interpretation and entertainment only. No responsibility is taken for misinterpretation or misuse of this information or published content.

so what’s the answer?Well, I am not sure there is a

perfect answer my friends… if you want a new vehicle that is, but some of the older models are well worth a second look. Not only do nearly all the new four wheel drives on the market tend to look overly flashy and quite similar in my opinion, but computerized operation is here to stay, making things incredibly complicated in many ways.

In all fairness, when running correctly, modern computer governed mechanical systems can deliver premium performance qualities, but when they fail, which can happen quite often and without warning or acceptable reason, it can be extremely costly and almost always impossible to fix by even the most talented mechanic; that is unless you happen to break down right near a technologically advanced workshop. I must remember that when I am next traversing the Oodnadatta track or on my way to Cape York!

Faced with this dilemma, I decided to get serious about finding myself an older model vehicle with suitable qualities for our filming work and adventure lifestyle; a simple, tough truck with all the necessary features and comfort but minus the unnecessary baggage and complexities.

In the good old days, when four wheel drives actually looked like four wheel drives and were robust icons of

the Australian outback, a fella could take his pick of the ideal fishing, camping and pig-chasing ‘off-roader’,

knowing it was built to handle whatever you could dish up and designed to hose out at the end of the trip.

These days, with DVD players and ‘electronic everything’ at the top

of the preferred luxuries list for many 4x4 owners, you have as much

chance of finding a vehicle that has a timeless look of days gone by and

standard, rock solid features as you have of winning lotto.

1. The Defender was totally neglected by the previous owner.2. The Defender gets stripped down for the rebuild.3. Steve gives the Defender a dose of Sahara Dust.4. Starting to take shape sporting a new spray job and engine.

the more I researched, the more I kept coming back to a vehicle I had always

liked the look of, but never owned – The Landrover Defender 130……and what a chunky piece of four wheel drive pioneering history these are. Not all that easy to come by now, I managed to secure a 1996 model with the much praised 300TDi turbo diesel engine nearing the end of its life. It had lead a hard coastal existence in the hands of a neglectful owner and needed much TLC, but hey, for $3000 with 12 months rego, near new tyres, good body panels and gearbox and a PTO winch, who was I to complain. So in the words of my good friend and renowned

rover guru Steve Perkins “get on with it”, and so I did, roping Steve into helping me with this project for the next 4 months.

Once stripped and the engine pulled down, we were presented with a clear picture of the abuse this faithful old rover had endured and what we needed to do to bring her back to life. Enter resident Coffs Coast Land Rover and off-road expert Anthony Eden and his Coffs Harbour 4WD Centre – Complete 4x4.

The combination of Steve’s diligence, knowledge and experience and Anthony’s unparalleled know-how when it comes to parts, problem solving and all things 4WD meant only one thing…. I was going to end up with the best Land Rover Defender of the Outback in the land! Oh, yes, I did a lot of the grunt work too, but guided by and under the watchful eye of the best rover wranglers down-under. Thanks fellas!

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not knowing where best to buy the many engine parts and various other components needed at the best quality and

prices, I started shopping about, but soon realized that Coffs Harbour 4WD Centre – Complete 4x4 was the one stop shop without a doubt. Anthony and his crew have their fingers firmly on the pulse with all the best four wheel drive parts and accessories for the serious off road competitor through to the intrepid traveller, and they gave me many options to consider.

I was surprised just how readily available rover parts are and how comparatively inexpensive they are, contrary to the stories from Toyota and Nissan owners I had been told. Coffs 4WD also offered the best pricing on every item and Anthony was genuinely interested in making sure the right advice and gear for the job was delivered. Anything we needed was either in stock or ordered and delivered promptly which streamlined our project no end and made it a happy event rather than frustrating….and what’s more, we ended up with friendships as well as good business which is always a bonus.

Some folks are just really suited to their job, and Anthony Eden is a perfect example, heading up the local 4WD club and operating the ultimate off-road recovery vehicle for a range of events and treks, alongside a long list of four wheel driving credentials. A passionate Land Rover expert with equal ability when it comes to Cruisers, Patrols and many other great makes and models, it’s just a great feeling to know that my vehicle is in the best hands and that trust and honesty is at the helm.

To compliment my Defenders beautiful restoration in the original rover colour of Sahara Dust, Coffs 4WD Centre - Complete

4x4 tricked her up with EFS Suspension, the obvious choice for the type of adventure media

work I do and the types of terrain we cover.

This suspension system is all about strength and performance and a preferred product of Complete 4x4 for its reliability. We also went with a proven quality ARB bull bar, accompanied by a 12000lb Runva electric winch, finishing her now stylish front end off with a set of IPF 900 lights, as recommended by Anthony and the guys at ARB for their exceptional performance. With an unparalleled track record in producing exceptional 4x4 accessories, we also agreed that an ARB Safari snorkel, Dual Battery System and ARB recommended Long Range fuel tank were obvious choices for our Australian Adventure Defender.

With her fully rebuilt engine now running with the delightfully eco-friendly Diesel Gas Technologies system, I average 9 litres per 100km and enjoy a whack more horsepower than the standard 300TDi.

1. Anthony fits EFS suspension2. Anthony and Tim fit the ARB Bullbar3. The Defender rides the slippery tracks beautifully with EFS suspension and Maxxis 753 Tyres

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add to this a United Pacific custom made rolled aluminium

canopy and side steps, ultra tough canvas Dingo seat covers, a specially constructed filming roof-rack, unbeatable Maxxis 753 Bravo Tyres and a tidy range of all the necessary premium quality accessories courtesy of Complete 4x4, and this vehicle has really become the ideal workhorse for all our needs, less the gimmicks, less the computers and looking great! One other thing I must say is that whilst I have many great things to say about the faithful Toyota Troop Carriers and 60’s that have served me well in the past, there is something truly authentic about a Land Rover, especially the 130 dual cab which is ideal for myself and family. Landrover have kept much of this style and simplicity throughout the years, and on top of that, Land Rover supports countless humanitarian and environmental projects globally, so I must say as Eco Media Production Group director and adventure enthusiast I am 100% AOK with supporting them.

For all you four wheel drivers and adventure lovers out there, trust me, you can save yourself a lot of headaches by sourcing an older, reliable vehicle as well the hassle of trying to track down the best deals in town and coming up empty handed. By going straight to Anthony at Coffs Harbour 4WD Centre,he and his pro crew have all the answers, the best choice and range of products and servicing and the right prices. Importantly, he and his business are just as savvy online which is what we want in this day and age.

So next time you are out there on the track, keep an eye out for us in our Australian Adventure

Defender 130 now you know its story…