In 1987, the Camel Trophy took on one of its most challenging and unforgettable routes: the wild, unpredictable terrain of Madagascar. Known as the "Olympics of 4x4," the Camel Trophy wasn't just a race—it was an extreme test of endurance, survival, and skill. And the star of this legendary event? The Land Rover Defender.
Time to get the winch out! A classic Camel Trophy shot from Australia ’86 : credit: © Philippe Cornut
The Camel Trophy: A Test of Man and Machine
The 1987 Camel Trophy featured 13 teams from around the world, representing countries such as Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Each team was tasked with driving specially prepared Land Rover Defenders (90 and 110 models) across nearly 1,000 miles of unforgiving terrain in Madagascar. From the dense, humid jungles to fast-flowing rivers and rocky highlands, the route demanded both technical driving skills and unbreakable teamwork.
Over several grueling weeks, the teams faced extreme challenges that tested the limits of both the drivers and their vehicles. The island's notorious red mud was relentless, often bogging down the vehicles so badly that progress was measured in inches. There were times when entire days were spent winching the Defenders out of seemingly bottomless mud pits, with one team helping the next, forming an unbreakable bond along the way.
Madagascar’s Wild Terrain
The Madagascar route took the teams through some of the most treacherous landscapes imaginable. Dense forests forced the teams to hack through vegetation just to clear a path, while sudden downpours turned dirt tracks into impassable quagmires. One of the most infamous challenges came during the Manambolo River crossing, where swollen waters and strong currents threatened to sweep the Land Rovers away. In moments like this, the power of the Land Rover Defenders truly shone. With reinforced bumpers, winches, and snorkels, the vehicles battled through obstacles that would have stopped any other 4x4.
As the race progressed, it became clear that only the strongest teams and the most capable vehicles would survive. This was no place for mistakes—each decision could mean the difference between advancing or getting stuck miles away from help.
Two Defenders and Discovery in the Atacama Desert during the pre-scout for Camel Trophy
Argentina-Paraguay-Chile ’94 (Dan Smith/Lee Farrant Photography)
Who Won the 1987 Camel Trophy?
At the end of the punishing journey, the team from Italy emerged victorious. Their combination of skill, endurance, and teamwork helped them conquer the course, but in truth, every team that finished the race was celebrated as a hero. The race wasn't just about coming in first—it was about making it to the end at all.
The Italian team, driving their Land Rover Defenders through Madagascar's most brutal conditions, earned their victory by maintaining focus and keeping their vehicle in top shape despite the constant mechanical and environmental challenges. But every team that crossed the finish line was part of something bigger—a global adventure that tested human limits and showcased the capabilities of one of the most iconic off-road vehicles ever made.
The Defender: The Star of the Trophy
It’s impossible to talk about the 1987 Camel Trophy without highlighting the incredible performance of the Land Rover Defender. These vehicles were chosen for their durability and off-road capability, and they did not disappoint. From crawling through dense jungles to surviving river crossings, the Defenders became symbols of resilience.
Today, for those who own a Land Rover Defender, keeping it adventure-ready is essential. At QDP Motors, we offer a range of accessories to enhance your Defender, ensuring that your vehicle can handle anything nature throws at it—just like the ones that conquered Madagascar.
The 1985 airlift was the stuff of legend (Photo: Andreas Bender)
Conclusion
The 1987 Camel Trophy remains one of the most iconic off-road adventures in history. It wasn’t just about speed—it was about endurance, teamwork, and the sheer will to overcome the elements. The Italian team may have claimed victory, but every participant who crossed Madagascar’s finish line earned their place in off-road legend. And through it all, the Land Rover Defender proved its worth as one of the most powerful and reliable vehicles ever made.
Whether you're preparing for an epic adventure or just want to ensure your Defender is ready for whatever lies ahead, QDP Motors has the accessories to make sure your vehicle is equipped for the challenge.
One of the Special Tasks during Camel Trophy Madagascar ’87 (Photo: Camel Trophy Club)
The photographic and film crews getting stuck in during Camel Trophy Guyana ’92. Much of Nick’s book describes the behind the scenes life of Camel Trophy (Photo: Simon Fitzgerald)
22-year-old Nick Dimbleby on his first Camel Trophy in 1996 – he claims not to have changed a bit…!
So Cool!