1989 Land Rover Defender 'Lancia Martini Safari'

Description

Introducing the 1989 Land Rover Defender that played a key role in the Lancia Team’s journey through the 1991 Safari Rally is not just any old off-roader—it’s a piece of history. Decked out in original Lancia Martini Safari decals, this Defender is one of only two ever used by the Lancia Team. And while it certainly proved its worth during the rally, it’s famous for something even more extraordinary: rescuing a baby elephant from the mud. This heartwarming moment has been captured in Miki Biasion’s book Rally, avventure senza tempo and has since become part of rallying legend.

Miki Biasion, who drove for the Lancia Team, remembers that day as one of the most unforgettable of his career. He reflects on how driving the Defender through Africa's tough terrains was always an adventure, but the day they used it to save a stranded baby elephant stood out. "It wasn't just about the power and reliability of the car," he said, "but realizing that sometimes our skills and tools can serve a purpose far greater than winning a race."

Built in November 1989, this Defender is a special County version. Instead of the usual dark grey vinyl seats, it featured chequered fabric, designed to keep passengers cooler under the scorching African sun. After its rally days, the Defender was sold by Fiat in 1993 to a private owner and later registered in 1995 to a company that used it as a staff car. By 2001, it was in the hands of an organization working with Italy’s Civil Protection service.

In 2022, the current owner started a detailed restoration to bring this Defender back to its original glory. They even matched the engine number with Heritage records to ensure it was as authentic as possible. Amazingly, the original keychain still comes with the car, adding an extra touch of history.

Now, this Land Rover Defender is the last surviving one of its kind from the Lancia Team, making it a truly unique piece of automotive history. Miki Biasion has expressed his excitement, saying that owning this vehicle would be a huge privilege. More than just a rally car, this Defender represents the adventurous spirit of the Safari Rally and reminds us that sometimes, these incredible machines can make a difference in ways we never expect.

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