Sometimes the best way to honor automotive history is to take what worked and leave behind what didn’t. Land Rover’s new Defender Trophy Edition does exactly that – channeling the legendary Camel Trophy expeditions of the 1980s and ’90s while ditching the tobacco sponsorship for something far more meaningful. Available in two heritage-inspired colors that scream adventure, this special edition celebrates the brand’s return to global challenge events with both a limited production model and an actual competition that promises to be epic.
When Nostalgia Meets Purpose
The original Camel Trophy was pure automotive theater (albeit entertaining theater). Basically, teams of adventurers pushing Land Rovers through some of the most inhospitable terrain on Earth, from the Amazon rainforest to the frozen tundra of Siberia. Those yellow and green Defenders crawling through jungle muck became icons of expedition capability, but the cigarette sponsorship feels decidedly dated in 2025.
Enter the Defender Trophy, Land Rover’s modern reimagining that keeps the spirit while adding conservation purpose to the mix. The new competition will take contestants through three demanding rounds, culminating in a 2026 Africa finale hosted with Tusk, Land Rover’s conservation partner of over 20 years. Winners get more than just bragging rights here, earning the chance to participate in an actual conservation mission that leaves a lasting positive impact.
Colors That Tell Stories
The Trophy Edition’s two exclusive paint options aren’t random marketing choices are carefully selected tributes to Defender’s expedition heritage. Deep Sandglow Yellow is a direct nod to those legendary Camel Trophy machines we know and love, while Keswick Green celebrates the rural exploration roots of Land Rover’s UK homeland. Both colors can also be protected with an optional matte film.
The gloss black treatment on the hood, lower bodywork, brake calipers, and rear recovery eyes creates a purposeful contrast that looks properly expedition-ready. Those 20-inch alloy wheels are designed to mimic classic steel wheels but sized appropriately for modern all-terrain tires.
Adventure-Ready From The Factory
What makes the Trophy Edition appealing here is how thoroughly Land Rover has thought through the expedition details. The optional Trophy Edition Accessory Pack adds £4,995 but delivers plenty of adventure gear for the price tag: expedition roof rack, deployable roof ladder, side-mounted gear carrier, front and rear mud flaps, and a raised air intake for dust filtration.
Inside, the Trophy illuminated treadplates and Ebony Windsor Leather seats provide appropriate luxury, while the exposed cross-car beam gets color-matched to the exterior with laser-etched Trophy endcaps. It’s tasteful branding that enhances rather than overwhelms the cabin’s utilitarian elegance.
The Competition That Actually Matters
he Defender Trophy competition accepts entries from over 50 countries, with local selections starting this summer and national finals next spring. The global finale in Africa will combine driving challenges, ingenuity tests, and physical trials while supporting Tusk’s conservation work.
All contestants must be over 23, able to swim 50 meters, eligible to drive and travel internationally, and speak fluent English. But most importantly, they need what Land Rover calls “an unstoppable spirit of adventure.” You know, the kind of mindset that made the original Trophy events legendary.
Modern Capability Meets Classic Spirit
Under the adventure-themed bodywork sits contemporary Defender capability. The Trophy Edition comes in D350 mild-hybrid diesel form (345 horsepower) or as a plug-in hybrid combining a 2.0-liter turbo with electric assist for 398 total horsepower. Either powertrain provides serious off-road capability wrapped in exactly the sort of luxury you’d expect from modern-day Land Rover.
At £89,810 starting price, the Trophy Edition commands a premium over standard Defenders, but this is Land Rover’s attempt at reconnecting with its expedition heritage in an authentic way.
Spec Sheet
Model: Land Rover Defender 110 Trophy Edition
Colors: Deep Sandglow Yellow or Keswick Green (exclusive)
Accents: Gloss black hood, lower body, brake calipers, recovery eyes
Wheels: 20-inch gloss black alloys with all-terrain tires
Interior: Ebony Windsor Leather, Trophy illuminated treadplates
Engine Options: D350 mild-hybrid diesel (345 HP) or P400e PHEV (398 HP)
Starting Price: £89,810 (UK)
Competition Timeline: Local selections summer 2025, global finale Africa 2026
Pricing & Availability
The Defender Trophy Edition is available to order now at £89,810 in the UK, with the optional Trophy Edition Accessory Pack adding £4,995 for serious expedition capability straight from the factory.
Recap
Land Rover Defender 110 Trophy Edition
Land Rover’s new Trophy Edition honors Camel Trophy heritage with exclusive Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green colors, expedition-ready accessories, and connection to a global adventure competition that combines off-road challenges with conservation missions through their partnership with Tusk, proving that modern adventure can have both style and substance.
