Bering Strait Defender joins the Dunsfold Collection!
The Defender 110 that on 8 August 2008 became the first road vehicle to cross the Bering Strait between Russia and Alaska during the Cape-to-Cape Expedition has joined the Dunsfold Collection.
The Defender, which left the factory as a LHD to Rest of World spec with a factory-fit 300Tdi engine, was rebuilt from new with a modified and galvanised chassis. It was fitted with a PTO propellor drive and hydraulic system, pump valves and tank, a sunroof escape hatch and stall warning buzzer, together with a Warn winch, external roll cage, engine heater, 140 litre fuel tank, ARB diff-locks, and a dual-charge electrical system. The full amphibious kit included outriggers, inflatable chambered pontoons, phosphor bronze propellor, bow plate, and rudder. Bogie caterpillar tracks were also used on land when driving across deep snow.
After the successful completion of the Cape-to-Cape, expedition founder and leader Steve Burgess kept the vehicle for use on his farm, and it was eventually consigned to auction in 2025. Looking to acquire a Defender runabout, Liam FitzPatrick put in a low bid for it having by his own admission not really read the auction catalogue description, and to his surprise he was successful! Liam rightly concluded that the vehicle is of great historical importance and should be preserved, and he facilitated its arrival at Dunsfold in late 2025.
Posted: January 26, 2026
Category: News
Viewed: 3 times


