Zambezi Defender debuts at Silverstone Festival 2025 as official course car
African-inspired Zambezi Defender with V8 engine showcased at Silverstone
Zambezi Defender debuts at Silverstone Festival 2025 as official course car
The bespoke Zambezi Defender by Oshe Automotive premiered at the 2025 Silverstone Festival, blending African design elements with a 6.2L V8 and luxury features.
2025-08-20T08:44:55+03:00
2025-08-20T08:44:55+03:00
2025-08-20T08:44:55+03:00
The 2025 Silverstone Festival, one of the world’s biggest historic motorsport gatherings, is set to feature a unique highlight: the Zambezi Defender. Built by UK-based Oshe Automotive from a Land Rover Defender 110, the project pays tribute to Africa while serving as the official course car of the event.
More than 3,000 hours went into the build, which combines a clean, rivet-free body with LED lighting, 18-inch steel wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich KO2 tires, and a powerful 6.2-liter V8 paired with an 8-speed automatic. AP Racing brakes and electronically controlled suspension ensure top performance.
Inside, the Zambezi connects to its African inspiration. Acacia and Zebrano wood, along with hand-painted Ndebele art by Oshe’s in-house artist, set the tone. The four bucket seats, panoramic roof, and high-end Audison and Morel sound system complete the luxury off-road package.
Although this particular Zambezi is unique, Oshe offers to replicate similar builds starting at £220,000 ($300,000). Customers can customize nearly every detail, from interior finishes to engine choice, with a 5.3-liter V8 also on offer. Variants can be built as pickups or SUVs with optional soft tops.
With over 120,000 visitors and 30 hours of track action expected, the Zambezi Defender will stand out as both a celebration of African culture and a showcase of bespoke British craftsmanship.
zambezi defender,oshe automotive,land rover defender 110,silverstone festival 2025,bespoke defender
2025
Michael Powers
news
African-inspired Zambezi Defender with V8 engine showcased at Silverstone
The bespoke Zambezi Defender by Oshe Automotive premiered at the 2025 Silverstone Festival, blending African design elements with a 6.2L V8 and luxury features.
Michael Powers, Editor
The 2025 Silverstone Festival, one of the world’s biggest historic motorsport gatherings, is set to feature a unique highlight: the Zambezi Defender. Built by UK-based Oshe Automotive from a Land Rover Defender 110, the project pays tribute to Africa while serving as the official course car of the event.
More than 3,000 hours went into the build, which combines a clean, rivet-free body with LED lighting, 18-inch steel wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich KO2 tires, and a powerful 6.2-liter V8 paired with an 8-speed automatic. AP Racing brakes and electronically controlled suspension ensure top performance.
Inside, the Zambezi connects to its African inspiration. Acacia and Zebrano wood, along with hand-painted Ndebele art by Oshe’s in-house artist, set the tone. The four bucket seats, panoramic roof, and high-end Audison and Morel sound system complete the luxury off-road package.
Although this particular Zambezi is unique, Oshe offers to replicate similar builds starting at £220,000 ($300,000). Customers can customize nearly every detail, from interior finishes to engine choice, with a 5.3-liter V8 also on offer. Variants can be built as pickups or SUVs with optional soft tops.
With over 120,000 visitors and 30 hours of track action expected, the Zambezi Defender will stand out as both a celebration of African culture and a showcase of bespoke British craftsmanship.
