Gibraltar

Project Gibraltar is complete! 🟠 In the final episode of our Land Rover Defender restoration series, we reveal the finished truck and take you through everything that’s gone into getting this Defender ready for its road trip home to Gibraltar.

What arrived at Moorland Rovers as a tired white Land Rover has been completely transformed into a striking Namib Orange Defender, using a factory Land Rover colour most commonly associated with the Discovery 5.

The vehicle was stripped down so the colour change could be carried through both the exterior and interior, creating a finish that looks like it could have left the factory this way. But Project Gibraltar has involved much more than paintwork. During the restoration, we fitted a new galvanised bulkhead and four galvanised doors, refinished individual panels, upgraded the lighting to LEDs and installed an upgraded Ministry of Defender HVAC system with air conditioning — an especially useful addition considering where this Defender is heading.

Under the bonnet, the project took an unexpected turn when we discovered serious damage to the original TD5 engine caused by oil starvation. Rather than trying to save an uneconomical engine, we sourced a low-mileage Discovery 2 replacement and paired it with a new LOF heavy-duty clutch. We also inspected and repaired the chassis, rebuilt the suspension and renewed the braking system with new brake lines, discs, pads and calipers — making sure this Defender isn’t just looking its best, but is ready for plenty more miles.

Inside, the restoration continues with colour-matched Raptor-coated panels, a Pioneer floating-screen infotainment system, Focal speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, bringing some modern usability to the classic Defender experience. Even the pickup bed has received special attention. Rather than removing the dents and character collected over roughly 25 years of use, we’ve preserved them while refinishing the bed in colour-matched Raptor, base coat and lacquer — giving it durability while maintaining a seamless Namib Orange finish.

Now there’s only one thing left to do: hand Project Gibraltar back to its owner and send it on the road to Gibraltar. A huge thank you to Arthur for commissioning the build, and to everyone who has followed Project Gibraltar from start to finish.