About Defender Garage

My Story

I'm Mark, a Brit with Japanese heritage, currently living in the laid-back coastal town of Pottsville in Northern NSW, Australia.

Having spent most of my life in cities, from Nottingham to Bath to Paris to Tokyo to Sydney, moving to regional NSW has been an adventure. I'd always dreamed of owning a pre-2020 classic Defender, but when orders opened for the new L663, I couldn't resist the blend of modern tech and heritage-inspired design.

I waited patiently through Covid delays, watched features get removed, and saw due dates pushed endlessly back… until that glorious moment in 2023 when Gold Coast Land Rover finally came through. Specced in all-black 'urban' styling (you can't take the slick out of the city boy!), but kitted with a ladder and roof rack for the occasional off-road escape, 01 DEF brings a smile to my face every time I see it. You can see more photos of it here on my profile.

Over the years, I've been through a few quirky rides - a Smart car, a Mini Cooper S, and even over a decade on two wheels with a heavily modified Japanese maxi-scooter. However, nothing compares to how I feel about this Defender, and judging by the strength of all the various communities out there devoted to it, I know I'm not the only one.

Why I Built Defender Garage

Defender Garage is a personal side project, born out of that love for the Defender in all its forms, both old and new, and the sense that so many incredible builds, stories, and photos were getting buried in social media feeds.

This is my attempt to create a proper home for all of it. A fun, visual space where anyone who owns, or just admires, these iconic vehicles can showcase their Defender and connect with like-minded others. (You can see my own profile right here.)

Whether you're into iconic Classic models, awe-inspiring Octas, trail-battered beasts, or drug-dealer-style Urbans, I wanted to make a place where it all lives on - not lost in algorithms, but somewhere built just for the Defender community.

My goal with Defender Garage is to:

• Showcase the incredible diversity of Defender models and modifications
• Help Classic and L663 owners connect across the globe
• Preserve the rich history and heritage of the Land Rover Defender
• Provide a space to share knowledge, tips, and experiences
• Track and share trips to help discover new places to explore
• Celebrate the adventure and capability that define the Defender spirit

Join Our Community

Whether you own a pristine collector's item, a daily driver, or a heavily modified off-road beast, I'd love for you to join and share your Defender with our community. Upload your photos, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and become part of the Defender Garage family.