Restored & Ready: Overlanding and Photography in a 1989 Defender 90
.
Roberto Ragusa, a digital professional and avid photographer, explores the world overlanding in his customized 1989 Defender 90. His passion blends adventure with photography, turning nature into a cinematic backdrop.
We chatted with Roberto about him, his passion and next plans.
>THE PERSON BEHIND THE WHEEL
Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Roberto Ragusa, and I live with my family in Palermo (Sicily), the island of sun, sea, good food, and legends. I am a freelancer and have been working in the world of digital web marketing for over 25 years. This job allows me to work remotely, with a laptop and internet connection, while travelling freely.
My greatest passions are overlanding and photography, which started together and have developed over time. Landscape and travel photography is my way of showing the world by capturing moments and places that impact me during my explorations.
How do you pack when overlanding or exploring Sicily over the weekend?
When I embark on a trip or excursion into nature, I bring with me very comprehensive photographic equipment. Besides my main camera, I always have several lenses to capture each scene in the best way, and a drone, essential for obtaining unique and spectacular perspectives. But having the right photographic equipment isn’t enough: to get the best shots, you have to be ready to face any weather conditions.
That’s why I always make sure to have appropriate clothing and gear for rain, wind, snow, and mud. One should not fear the cold or bad weather: often, it is the most extreme conditions that provide the most exciting and suggestive images. Being prepared means being able to seize every opportunity without being stopped by adversity.
>TELL US ABOUT YOUR RIG
Tell us why you choose your 1989 Defender 90 and its configuration?
The Defender 90 (1989) was chosen not only for its technical capabilities and reliability in exploration and overlanding but also for its unmistakable retro aura. This makes it not only a perfectly functional vehicle for tackling any kind of terrain but also a true icon of 4x4 design. Its timeless aesthetics and unique character make it the perfect travel companion for those, like me, who love adventure without sacrificing style.
The vehicle has been customized to ensure maximum autonomy and comfort during explorations. The custom-built camper conversion, made by Tailgate Gear, has been designed to optimize space and provide essential functionality while traveling. Additionally, the Defender is equipped with a rooftop tent, solar panels for independent energy, and water tanks, essential elements for spending several days in nature without external support.
How is it to live inside your Defender? How do you get organized?
The way I setup my Defender gives me the freedom to travel without restrictions, allowing me to cook and sleep comfortably wherever I am. The rooftop tent provides secure and practical rest, and for colder nights, I have installed a Webasto system that ensures efficient heating.
Organizing the space is essential: a 30-liter fridge keeps food and drinks cool, while various compartments allow me to store supplies and equipment in an orderly manner. Thanks to the solar panel and a 50-liter water tank, I can be self-sufficient for at least three days without external support.
For maximum comfort, I have installed an awning that provides shelter on sunny days, and when I want to relax after a long day of overlanding, I enjoy a movie under the stars thanks to a projector, turning nature into a real outdoor cinema.
How do you balance challenging routes and a vintage looking vehicle?
My Defender has been completely restored, retaining its vintage charm but improving its reliability and performance. One of the most important modifications was replacing the original 19J engine with a 300TDI Discovery, known for being much more reliable and powerful, making the vehicle more durable and suitable for long overlanding trips in difficult conditions. To tackle any type of terrain, I have installed a +5 cm lift, which allows me to overcome most obstacles with ease, improving off-road capabilities without compromising stability.
Constant maintenance is crucial to ensure that the Defender remains in perfect condition, even after challenging routes. This balance between restoration, technical improvements, and vehicle care allows me to fully enjoy every adventure without giving up the authenticity and iconic character of my 4x4.
>MEMORIES & NEXT ON THE BUCKET LIST
What was your most memorable overlanding experience?
One of my most memorable overland trips was an 11,000 km route through South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. This trip, made with my partner Cinzia (a saint, as her friends call her), took me from the lush landscapes of South Africa to the extreme desert of northern Namibia, crossing the Caprivi Strip and heading down the Okavango River toward Botswana, immersing myself in the wild and untouched nature of Southern Africa. Unfortunately, this trip was not made with my Defender but with another 4x4 vehicle.
However, my next big trip will finally be with my Defender: I’m planning an adventure in Tunisia, among its spectacular dunes and vast desert landscapes, the perfect environment to test the vehicle and experience authentic overlanding.
What's next? More Sicily or other destinations outside of Italy?
Sicily remains an extraordinary land to explore, with its incredibly diverse landscapes, from spectacular coastlines to the wild mountains of the interior.
However, my next big trip will take me outside of Italy, to a destination I’ve been dreaming of for a long time: Tunisia. This journey will be a real test for my Defender, which will finally be able to face the desert and the iconic dunes of the Grand Erg Oriental. The idea is to cross breathtaking landscapes, from hidden oases to vast stretches of sand, testing the vehicle and living an authentic overlanding experience. Traveling in the desert is something unique: the sense of freedom, the challenge with the elements, and the vastness of the open space make everything special.
Looking further ahead, one of my future projects is a trip to Iceland, a land I already know well, having visited it three times with other vehicles. However, the real challenge this time will be reaching it with my Defender: a demanding logistical adventure, involving ferries and long road stretches. Once there, however, I already know it will be worth it: between glaciers, active volcanoes, rivers to cross, and the iconic Icelandic highlands, it will be an epic journey that will test both the vehicle and my adventurous spirit.
Go Follow Roberto now!
Many more amazing shots and videos taken by Roberto are available on his social media and site. Follow him on Instagram @il_rosso and check out his site www.robertoragusa.com.
Like what you see? Here is link to the module Roberto has installed in his Defender 90.
Also in Stories
A Journey of Discovery with Ibrahim
Meet Ibrahim, a London-based computer engineer who traded his daily commute for breathtaking landscapes and the open road. We caught up with him to learn about his overlanding adventures, the challenges he's faced, and the incredible experiences he's gained.)
