Defender Dan Dan
DSC07047-scaled

Defender Dan Dan in Dubai – from workshop to skyline

Meet Dan Dan, our new custom-built Defender 110 that was born from a close and personal collaboration with our client. “Dan Dan” refers to a camel, a funny nod to how people once moved across the Arab world. It fits the car, and it fits the story behind it. Dan Dan is strong, elegant and can transport almost anything, just like camels did in the past.  

Our founder Daniel van Oort guided our customer through the adventure of designing. He recalls: “We got to know our client as a very modest and grateful man. He flew in from Dubai together with his brother, and over the course of several days we worked through every detail together. This Defender is his ticket to all adventures ahead. It was a genuinely enjoyable process and shortly after delivery, a photo came in: the Defender on a coastal road against the Dubai skyline. A simple message, but full of pride.” 

The design of Dan Dan 

The car is finished in designo nachtschwarz magno, combined with our sand beige automatic sliding roof. The stance is set by 20-inch Panterra Tiger wheels, backed by a Corvette LT1 engine with a 10-speed gearbox. A quad pipe exhaust system, with a valve control on the dashboard, allows the sound to shift depending on the moment. 

Inside, full focus on materials and craftsmanship. Havana brown leather runs throughout, including a full leather headliner. The floors are finished in teak wood, matched with a custom teak and leather steering wheel. A set of four upholstered Recaro seats in Daytona stitch with two foldable extra seats in the rear tub. The digital HMI cluster and modern dashboard bring everything together without losing the analogue feel. 

A small but personal detail sits in the centre: a custom vintage stone dial clock, referencing the watch brand owned by the client. 

DSC06931-scaled

Foldable Side steps? Yes please

One feature stands out. The electric foldable side steps. Daniel explains: “We never made these before, because we want to preserve the clean, straight lines of the Defender. But the client insisted, he wanted something that would allow easier, more elegant access. So we developed a retractable system that folds away automatically when the doors close.” The steps carry the text: Driven by Passion, Inspired by Adventure. Subtle when closed, practical when needed and, as with everything we develop, available for new clients who want to custom-built their dream Defender. 

DSC06942-scaled

Honey badger grill

Finished with our Honey Badger grill and carefully selected exterior details, Dan Dan reflects a build that stayed close to the client throughout. “It’s our latest example of what we are capable of and what we can do. Building, designing and producing everything in house, makes us so proud”, Daniel concludes. “Seeing this beauty exploring the streets and desert of Dubai is another milestone in our company journey. 

DSC06887-scaled

How we work

Inspired? Explore all  our Defenders who are currently living in the wild. Or start your own bespoke process at The Landrovers. Interested in a build like Dan Dan? Enquire yours.

Enquire now
Defender Dan Dan from The Landrovers in Dubai with skyline