The Land Rover Defender is a legendary name in the world of off-road vehicles. It has a rich history of innovation, performance, and durability that spans over decades. In this article, we will take a look at how the Defender evolved from its origins in 1983 to its latest models in 2024.
The Defender’s story started in 1983, when Land Rover introduced the Land Rover 110, a four-wheel drive utility vehicle with a 110-inch wheelbase. The 110 was designed to replace the Series III Land Rover, which had been in production since 1971. The 110 offered more comfort, power, and reliability than its predecessor, and was soon joined by the Land Rover 90, a shorter version with a 90-inch wheelbase, in 1984. The 90 and 110 were also available in different body styles, such as hardtop, soft top, pickup, and station wagon.
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| 1983 Land Rover 110 |
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| 1883 Land Rover 90 |
In 1985, Land Rover added another variant to the lineup: the Land Rover 127, a longer version with a 127-inch wheelbase and a crew cab. The 127 was mainly intended for commercial and military use, and could carry up to 12 passengers or a large load. The 127 was later renamed as the Land Rover 130 in 1990, when Land Rover decided to rebrand the 90 and 110 as the Defender 90 and Defender 110, respectively. The name Defender was chosen to reflect the vehicle’s reputation as a rugged and dependable off-roader, and to distinguish it from the more luxurious Range Rover and Discovery models.
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| 1985 Land Rover 127 |
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| 1985 Defender 90 |
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| 1985 Defender 110 |
The Defender 90, 110, and 130 continued to be produced throughout the 1990s and 2000s, with various improvements and updates over the years. Some of the notable changes included the introduction of new engines, such as the 2.5-liter turbodiesel, the 3.5-liter V8, and the 2.4-liter Ford Duratorq; the adoption of new technologies, such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, and airbags; and the launch of special editions, such as the Defender 50th Anniversary, the Defender Tomb Raider, and the Defender SVX.
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| Defender 50th Anniversary |
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| Defender Tomb Raider |
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| Defender SVX |
In 2016, Land Rover ended the production of the original Defender, after 33 years and over two million units sold. The Defender was widely regarded as a classic and a cult vehicle, and was used by various organizations and individuals around the world, such as the British Army, the Red Cross, the Camel Trophy, and the royal family.
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| Defender for the Royal family |
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| Defender for the British Army |
After period of time , the Defender’s legacy continued over. In 2019, Land Rover unveiled the new generation of the Defender. The new Defender was based on a new platform, called the D7x, which was designed to be the strongest and most capable Land Rover ever. The new Defender also featured a modern and sleek design, with a range of advanced features and options, such as LED headlights, a touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera, and an air suspension.
The new Defender was initially available in two versions, being the Defender 90, with a 101.9-inch wheelbase and a two-door configuration, and the Defender 110, with a 119-inch wheelbase and a four-door configuration. Both versions offered a choice of petrol, diesel, or hybrid engines, and a variety of trim levels and accessories. Also Defender introduced other model: the Defender 130, which was a stretched version of the Defender 110, with a 130-inch wheelbase and a three-row seating capacity.
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| 2019 Defender 110 |
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| 2019 Defender 90 |
In 2020/2024, Land Rover plans to expand the Defender lineup even further, with the introduction of the Defender Sport, a smaller and more agile version of the Defender, with a 90-inch wheelbase and a coupe-like design. The Defender Sport will target a younger and more urban audience, and will offer a range of electrified powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric option. The Defender Sport will also feature a more futuristic and minimalist interior, with a curved display, a head-up display, and a voice assistant.
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| 2024 Defender 110 |
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| 2024 Defender 90 |
The Land Rover Defender is a remarkable vehicle that has evolved over time to meet the changing needs and preferences of its customers. It is a vehicle that combines heritage, innovation, and versatility, and that can handle any terrain and challenge.
