About the Land Rover Defender

Defender Series ISeries I 1948-60

Maurice Wilks, inspired by the Willys Jeep, etches his first drawing in the sand on Anglesey. Post-war aluminium surplus makes the 1948 Series 1 a recycling pioneer. Prototype No3 appears at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show.

 

Land Rover Defender Series IIaSeries II and IIA 1961-70

More rounded body, more humane interior, new engines, and long wheelbase version introduced.

Land Rover Defender Series IIISeries III 1971-82

Headlights now mounted in the front wings, V8 engine pilfered from Rover saloons for more grunt (relatively speaking – we’re talking 91bhp here).

 

Land Rover Defender 90, 110, 127

90, 110, 127 1983-89

Biggest revamp in its history. The numbers equate to the wheelbase lengths (in inches). Coil springs improve the ride, permanent 4WD with two-speed transfer box and lockable centre differential. Wind-up windows. Luxury.

Land Rover Defender 110Defender 1990-2015

New engines and body variants (eg 110 double cab) and in 1998 the 50th anniversary 90 with auto ‘box, air-con and Range Rover 4.0-litre V8. Full-width dashboard in 2007, but some switchgear dates back to British Leyland’s darkest days.