Luxury redefined: A customized Defender leverages a $300,000 investment to elevate the concept of bespoke elegance
The automotive world is abuzz with the unveiling of the Zambezi Defender, a remarkable restomod that seamlessly blends African heritage with British craftsmanship.
Founded by Oshe, a visionary based in Nigeria, Oshe Automotive has taken the classic Defender 110 chassis and given it a complete overhaul. The result is a vehicle that brings the stopping and handling performance of the Zambezi Defender into modern territory, thanks to Tractive electronically controlled suspension and AP Racing brakes.
Under the hood, buyers can choose between two powerful V8 engines: a 5.3-liter and a 6.2-liter option. The latter, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, provides substantial torque and a captivating sound.
The Zambezi Defender offers more than just raw power, though. African woods like Acacia and Zebrano adorn the cabin, creating textures and warmth not found in typical British luxury restomods. An extensive palette of paint colours, leather options, and trim combinations are available, ensuring that each Zambezi is as unique as its owner.
Oshe Automotive, while based in Nigeria, has roots in Northamptonshire, England, where the company specialises in custom Defender builds. The company's latest creation, the Zambezi Defender, is a testament to this dual heritage.
Buyers can choose between pickup and station wagon configurations, with both soft-top and hard-top roof options available. Each Zambezi undergoes a painstaking 3,000-hour build process, stripping the Defender 110 down to bare metal and reconstructing it as something new.
The Zambezi Defender is not just a vehicle, but a cultural bridge between Oshe's South African upbringing and the British craftsmanship that has made Land Rovers legendary. Each Zambezi features hand-painted Ndebele artwork on the control plate, created by resident artist Anna Selomo at Oshe's Limpopo reserve.
With only a handful of builds completed annually due to the company's limited production capacity, the Zambezi Defender is a rare gem. Priced starting at around £220,000 (~$300,000), it is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each and every one of these unique vehicles. For those seeking a vehicle that is as much a work of art as it is a means of transportation, the Zambezi Defender is a must-see.
