Ever imagine your car being like an old, loyal friend who doesn't complain about sand in the gears, but takes you across the Sahara with a smile? The Arksen Project Sahara is exactly that – a revamped Land Rover Defender that combines British ruggedness with modern overland equipment. At a time when everyone is talking about electric toys, this diesel veteran proves that classic technology still reigns supreme in the wilderness. With a bit of irony: why wait for a filling station in the middle of nowhere when you can fill up with diesel and keep going? This rig will get you excited for serious expeditions, but at the same time remains civilized enough for city driving.
Arksen, a British firm specializing in adventure vehicles and watercraft, has taken the classic Land Rover Defender D110 Station Wagon and completely rebuilt it from the ground up. We’re talking about a “body-off” restoration, where the chassis is hot-dip galvanized to protect it from rust – because no one wants their car to fall apart in the middle of nowhere. The bodywork has been given a fresh coat of Mercedes Pangea Green Metallic with Santorini Black accents, and the undercarriage is protected with a raptor coating that would survive the apocalypse. This isn’t just cosmetics; this is serious off-road equipment that would make modern SUVs give up. This is it – the Arksen Project Sahara.
Under the hood beats a revised 300TDI 2.5-liter turbo diesel engine with 83 kW (111 hp) and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, a revised clutch and flywheel, ensuring reliability on long journeys. Top speed reaches around 129 km/h (80 mph), and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-60 mph) takes around 15.6 seconds (14.4 seconds for 0-60 mph) – it is not a speed demon, but in the desert, speed is not everything; endurance counts. The cooling system has been upgraded, the exhaust is made of stainless steel, and the brakes are new with discs front and rear. If you get stuck, a Warn winch on the tubular front bumper will pull you out of any trap.
Terrafirma suspension with 5 cm (2 inches) of lift ensures that obstacles are overcome, while 16-inch Wolf wheels with Cooper S/T Maxx 235/85 R16 tires bite into sand, mud or rocks. Add a snorkel for river crossings, rock sliders for sill protection and a NAS tubular rear step with tow point - and you have a vehicle that laughs at any challenge. Arksen's approach is as uncompromising as the Sahara itself: everything is built for decades of abuse, not just weekend trips.
This model isn’t electric – for that, Arksen has a separate electric-powered D110e project, which offers 150 kW (210 hp) of power, 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 8 seconds, and a range of around 240 km, complete with 240 V inverter power. But Project Sahara is banking on a proven diesel that works wherever there are no power outlets. Ironically, in a world where everyone is talking about green energy, this rig proves that sometimes old school wins – at least until you find a charging station in the middle of the Sahara.
Interior: Robustness meets luxury
The interior of the Project Sahara is like a British pub in the wilderness – rugged yet comfortable. The seats are upholstered in tan leather with diamond stitching, the dashboard and headliner in black Alcantara, and the steering wheel is taken from a Range Rover Classic for that vintage touch. The Alpine ILX-F903D touchscreen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB chargers and a rearview camera – because you don’t want to hit a cactus in the desert either. Upgraded power steering and air conditioning ensure a comfortable ride even on long journeys.
But this isn't just a 4×4 adventure vehicle; it's a mobile home. An integrated water system, deep cycle house battery and National Luna 50-litre fridge/freezer enable off-grid living. Alu-Cab The Expedition 3.1 2-person roof tent is quick to set up, with a 270-degree awning providing shade, while a shower and changing room add convenience. Everything is thoughtfully integrated so you can head out into the unknown right away, without any extra stops at outfitters.
Overland equipment: Ready for anything
Project Sahara is not just a vehicle; it is a turn-key expedition platform. Arksen equips it with everything you need for serious adventures: from cooking equipment to rescue tools. Inspiration comes from the Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world, which symbolizes endless endurance. The Defender itself has a rich history - born in 1948 as a simple work vehicle for British farmers after the Second World War, it has become an icon of off-roading, from African safaris to Himalayan trails. Arksen, a younger company, brings a breath of fresh air: their projects, such as the Sahara, combine heritage with top-notch craftsmanship. It is no wonder that this model has quickly become a favorite among overland enthusiasts - it offers everything you need, without unnecessary complications.
Compared to new Land Rover Defenders, such as 2025 Defender 110 X-Dynamic SE with a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo mild-hybrid engine (295 kW/395 hp, 550 Nm/406 lb-ft), which reaches 0-100 km/h in less than 7 seconds, it Project Sahara slower, but more reliable for extremes. New models have supercharged V8 options for speeds over 240 km/h (149 mph), but Arksen is betting on simple mechanics that you can fix with a wrench in the middle of nowhere.
Conclusion: An investment in freedom and unforgettable stories
When I think about Arksen Project Sahara, I ask myself: why settle for a regular SUV when you can have a true warrior that takes you further than ever before? This Defender is more than just a car; it’s a ticket to a world where roads aren’t necessary. With an irony: in an age of self-driving cars, it’s nice to have something that requires your hands on the wheel – and gives you unforgettable stories in return. On the plus side, it finds an opportunity for fun in every obstacle, and a test of endurance in every sand. According to sources like HiConsumption and Bless This Stuff, this is the ultimate overland machine that takes you further than you dare dream – rugged, comfortable and ready for anything.
The cynic in me says diesel is a thing of the past, but the optimist knows: in the wilderness, it’s reliability, not trends, that counts. Price? Available upon request via Arksen’s website, but if you’re a serious adventurer, this is an investment in freedom, not just metal. Would you take it to the Sahara or remote forests? Share your thoughts in the comments – it might inspire your next journey. And don’t forget to share on social media; who knows, Arksen might take notice and invite you for a test drive. In a world of rapid change, Project Sahara is a reminder that true values – like ruggedness and adventure – endure forever.
