Integrity, authenticity and capability – three words to describe the Oshe Adventure, a reinvention of the classic Land Rover Defender by Oshe Automotive, which stays true to the rugged roots of the famous original, while providing modern comfort, useability, styling and high end craftsmanship. The latest example is to be displayed proudly on the 8th and 9th of September at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club in London’s Pall Mall – only the second time an example of a Land Rover has been displayed at the Club.
The Okavango is Safari Spec, based on the surefooted Defender 90 chassis, and previews the first of a limited-series production version of the car by Oshe Automotive. Located in Long Buckby, Northamptonshire, the engineering craftsmanship on show with the Okavango follows a clear concept – what the original Defender would have evolved into, had it been continuously developed over five decades. The ethos is a car that is capable, drives well and is distinctive in design – a clean, historically-respectful, modern interpretation of the Land Rover legend.
The Okavango model has a removable bikini top roof which covers the Muirhead “Marula Red” leather and red German square-weave carpet, and the cabin ambience is endowed with further luxury in the form of a Mahogany wooden steering wheel and console, and the gear shifter is formed from African acacia. While the dashboard is inspired by classic Land Rovers, it has been tastefully modernised, with wireless charging, Bluetooth audio and Burmester speakers and custom gauges reminiscent of Series Land Rovers.
The car on display at the Royal Automobile Club is the latest prototype in the ‘Adventure’ specification, ahead of production build of the longer-wheelbase ‘110’ chassis fitted with a punchy and powerful LT1 6.2 litre V8 matched to a GM 8 speed automatic gearbox.
Every effort has been made to refine and enhance the Okavango for everyday usability and enjoyment. Its beating V8 heart and refined automatic gearbox has been chosen for its reliability, performance and to allow for it to be used without compromise in modern-day traffic. Under the skin is a bespoke wiring loom, AP Racing braking system, and a custom interior to allow for more room. To further aid comfort, the heated seats are reprofiled, along with the pedal and handbrake arrangements to allow for extra interior space.
To provide the maximum flexibility between on-road and off-road performance, all Oshe Adventure vehicles have a semi-active, electronically controlled suspension setup, with five mappable settings and G-Sensor to assist with handling. Further luxury trimmings include air conditioning, power steering, Muirhead leather, heated mirrors and windscreen, electric sidesteps and an Audison and Morell audio system.
Production of all Adventure models will be limited as Oshe plans to build only 4 cars a year. The first cars are already in build, with the first production 110 example set to be completed before the end of 2023. Each Oshe Adventure will be unique to its owner, with prices starting at £225,000.
