Defender | The History of Defender Trophy

Defender Trophy competitors shares vivid memories and the storied history of the legendary event held between 1989 and 2000, in which the original competition ran. Brothers Joe and Bob Ives, winners of the 1989 Defender Trophy, look back on the adventure of a lifetime, an epic trek through the Amazon jungle that celebrated ten years since the very first Defender Trophy. Karen McDonald, who competed in 1997, shares her unforgettable journey across Mongolia’s extreme landscapes, from the frozen north to the sands of the Gobi Desert. Photographer Nick Dimbleby offers a unique perspective from behind the lens, having documented the Trophy from 1996 to 1998 and again in 2000. Beyond capturing the action, he joined the convoy through every challenge of the three week expedition. From 1980 to 2000, the original Defender Trophy stood as the ultimate off road adventure. It was not just a race, it was a test of endurance, teamwork, and a relentless spirit of exploration that defined what it meant to truly live for the journey. Off-road sequences carried out on private dedicated land with full permission.