Hello everybody,
Guess who’s back with another piece? Me!!! Yes i surprised myself with the intention to be more persistent and try to push my creativity and fun side and here we are. I have said this so much before, i enjoy writing for fun i love how a piece can make your day whether reading it or writing it, i do not take any of it for granted. Sometimes i may get slow but i will always find my way back.
This week’s blog post is dear to me because not only is the person involved my colleague turned friend/clique/get in all sorts of trouble with/i cant air our business like that, but also because i used to love manuals at a time.
They were among the first cars a drove in way back when (my sister can relate) we moved a lot while were younger and we moved in the middle of nowhere really, so getting there such cars would be the ones that survived, ie our trips to shinyanga or across ngorongoro to Loliondo oh those were the days.
Anyways back to real life shenanz, in driving school they let us drive more manual than autos (bless them they knew this world was hard out here yo) and most people complained but i never did. I enjoyed it alot and was quite good, it always made me feel in control and powerful to have such a beast in control, but then like everyone else i grew up and stopped driving often, went to uni and then life happened and now i am blank in that area altogether, bitter truths hey.
Years later here we are. my first take was wow! when my friend got Lando and the the first ride was even more wow! and then the first trip to dar pretty much finalised my wow! moments. I am glad she agreed to do this and indulge my inner manual girl and all out there in this Q&A, enjoy!
What pulled (attracted) you to the Land Rover Defender?
My earliest memories of Land Rover Defenders are from family trips to Mbinga and Nyasa. We didn’t own one but because Defenders are efficient vehicles they are highly valued in hilly country sides, you can find quite a few there. If I recall correctly, I first came into contact with a Land Rover Defender, most likely a 110, at the young age of 5 or 6 as we transferred from Songea to Mbinga sometime in the 90s. My next memory of a car (that left an impression on me) is of my childhood friend’s parent’s Mercedes G-wagon. I think that was when I started to feel strongly attracted to the box-shaped 4x4s. Then fast forward to when I was in University, in the UK, where I got reintroduced to the Defender. This time they looked polished and not out of place in a city backdrop, which was so cool I thought.
The Defender 90 also meets most of my preferences. I have a greater liking for items that tick both the “unique” and “classic” boxes. I am partial to smaller things in life. I also always knew the car I would spend my money on would be manual transmission because I like a challenge and to be active. So, my earliest memories of Land Rovers Defenders coupled with my taste, all brought me to the Land Rover Defender 90.
What is your experience owning and driving a vintage?
It’s so much fun! The breakdowns, the noise, the attention, all of it!
What is your first memory of “Lando”?
My first memory was when I first saw it parked. It was love at first sight.
If you weren’t driving “Lando” what would you like to drive and why?? (In comparison or contrast to the Land Rover Defender)
I cannot imagine driving something other than a Land Rover Defender but probably a Mini Cooper for the size contrast.
What’s your favourite Car movie lol
I don’t have one.
Driving laws: what would you add, what’s your best and worst?
- Large vehicles e.g. heavy weight lorries must park aside and allow other cars to pass where there is no climbing lane.
- End of 50 km/h speed zone
- I’m bad at breaking laws so I haven’t experienced the worst yet.
Would you say you’re a petrol head ? What got you into it?
I wouldn’t say I am a petrol head. I just like this one at the moment.
What do you like most about Land Rovers?
The iconic shape and durability.
What was the first car you drove?
The first car that I drove was a Rav 4, I think.
What is your dream car?
My dream car is a Land Rover Defender 90 with a soft top in the classic Atlantic Green.
What is your favorite music to drive to?
I haven’t got a favorite genre to drive to but you’ll probably catch me listening to some Afropop.
Best and worst part about content creation for defender dadas?
It’s fun to capture moments while on road trips. It’s difficult to think about what to post.
They say cars represent traits of the owner, what traits does your car have that represent you?
What is the saying, “Dynamites come in a small package” ?
What inspired defender dadas?
A friend, they thought it would be good to have female African defender owners showcased.
Any tips for driving a Land Rover Defender?
Well this goes without saying, you should know how to drive properly. You must be a good driver!
Then you really need to listen to the car and pay attention. Enjoy every moment.
What’s the craziest experience you’ve had driving “Lando”?
It just slowly lost power and came to a stop, luckily I was able to pull off to the side of the road before it went off.
If you could add one thing to “Lando” what would it be?
Just one thing? I’d like to add a few but the first would be a sound system.
What is your dream adventure with “Lando”?
To drive along the East coast of Africa.
Is there anything you don’t like about “Lando”?
It leaks.
What inspires you for remodeling and what are your go to IG and Pinterest pages?
I really appreciate clean, simple finishes. I love to see tan leather interiors, black exteriors and cool but modest personal touches. I like @defender_dogs LOL dogs make everything cute. @landrover.addict @coolnvintage and @thelandrovers have some fly defenders.
Lastly, do you have any hacks for owning a Land Rover Defender?
Keep searching for a good mechanic until you find one, don’t settle for an average mechanic, and learn about your car.
Until next time, au revoir & bisous!
catracarol 