• by Les Luchter , August 12, 2023

For the third year in a row, Jaguar Land Rover North America is offering participation in an adventure competition to buyers of its Land Rover Defender Trophy Edition. The winner of the event, to be held near Austin, Texas, will get to continue the adventure in Namibia, a country in southern Africa.

Only 230 of the $103,000 Defender Trophy Edition vehicles will be sold -- 220 in the U.S.  and 10 in Canada -- starting this month at select dealers.

And only 90 of the buyers, determined on a first-come basis, will get to go to the Horseshoe Bay Resort with a guest, where the pair will receive one-on-one coaching and then face a day of on- and off-road challenges, including physical and team building obstacles.

The winning team, as determined by a judging panel, will go on a four-day trip to Namibia, valued at around $20,000, where they’ll drive Defenders on pathways and dunes running across the wilderness in the Erongo Mountains and Spitzcoppe Peaks.

“The Defender Trophy Edition enables owners to experience the adventurous spirit of Defender for themselves,” explained Charlotte Blank, U.S. chief marketing officer, Jaguar Land Rover North America, in a statement. And joining the expedition-style competition will allow owners “to put their off-road skills and teamwork to the test.”

Land Rover’s Defender Trophy Edition, based on the 2023 MY Defender 130 P400 SE, includes both bespoke cosmetic features and extra all-terrain features.

Visual touches include a topographical map design on door panels and spare tire cover; an ebony grained leather interior; and custom interior badging.

The all-terrain equipment includes an expedition roof rack, deployable ladder, electronic winch, front and rear mud flaps and a cold climate pack.