Defender’s last stand

Legendary Land Rover Defender has nearly reached the end of the road – or has it?

Land Rover has begun a year-long celebration of the iconic Defender, kicking off with the launch of three limited edition models.

UK production of the current Land Rover Defender, which can trace its roots back 68 years, is entering its final phase and the model is due to be replaced in 2016.

However, Land Rover has hinted that it may not be the end of the line for the Defender, adding that it’s “investigating the possibility of maintaining production of the current Defender at an overseas production facility, after the close of UK manufacturing”.

Any continuation would see low volume production maintained for sale “outside the EU”.

Special new Defenders

The three limited edition Defender models celebrate a different element of the vehicle’s versatile character.

The exclusive Autobiography Edition promises more performance, luxury and comfort than ever before thanks to its comprehensive equipment list, unique duo-tone paintwork, full Windsor leather upholstery and a power upgrade. Only available in the UK, it will be produced exclusively as a 90 Station Wagon and priced from £61,845.

The Heritage Edition is inspired by early Land Rover models and mixes nostalgic design cues with modern creature comforts. It will be identified by distinctive Grasmere Green paintwork and a contrasting white roof. A heritage grille and HUE 166 graphics, recalling the registration plate of the first ever pre-production Land Rover nicknamed ‘Huey’, also identify the Heritage model. It hits showrooms from August with production limited to 400 in the UK. Prices will start from £27,800.

The new Adventure Edition is aimed at Land Rover customers who relish the great outdoors and embrace the Defender’s ‘go anywhere, do anything’ attitude. It comes fitted with additional underbody protection and Goodyear MT/R tyres to boost the Defender’s already class-leading all-terrain capability. Unique decals and a leather-trimmed cabin ensure the Adventure Edition stands out from the Defender crowd. A total of 600 Adventure Editions are available in the UK priced at £43,495 for all versions.