09 May 08
The original Land Rover lives on: the descendent of the Series I, II and III now shares only an oil filler plug and a widget for tying down a canvas roof with the 1948 car, but it looks little changed. The 'Defender' name was introduced in 1990, and remains a design classic.
Like the Caterham Seven, Bristol Blenheim or perhaps a Morgan Roadster, the Defender is a survivor from another age, but it's still good at its job: heavy-duty off-road work in the most inaccessible areas. It may be a bit of an anachronism, but it still makes sense to many enthusiasts. Mind you, it has few modern safety features or creature comforts: it does rather remind us why SUVs were invented.
An overhaul in 2007 brought a new Ford 2.4-litre diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox, as well as improved heating and ventilation and a new-look dashboard. Land Rover continues to offer 14 different body styles: 90-, 110-0 and 130-inch wheelbases with hard top, station wagon, crew cab and pick-up bodies, as well as conversions to special request for specific needs.
While there have been many rumours in recent years that the Defender will be discontinued soon, the 2007 revisions have enabled it to meet minimum safety and emissions standards until 2010 at least. The Defender may no longer sell in huge numbers - around 25,000 a year, mainly to utility company fleets, aid agencies and emergency services - but Land Rover has been working on solutions to update it further beyond 2010; it will live on if the company sees sufficient demand.
Review: Land Rover Defender (2007)
Review: Land Rover Defender (1983-2007)
