Description
The timeless and indestructible Defender celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2008. It was indeed presented on 30 April 1948 at the Amsterdam motor show at the instigation of the British government, which encouraged its car manufacturers to seek new ideas to help them get back on their feet. An engineer at Rover had noticed that the American Jeep was proving invaluable to civilian populations and came up with the idea of building a European version. The vehicle had to be practical, capable on all surfaces and inexpensive to produce, hence simple in design. The 'Land' was born and wasn't renamed Defender until 1990 with the expansion of the range and the introduction of a new diesel engine. A name change that didn't alter the car's philosophy in any way, and since then, generations have succeeded one another without ever questioning the model's DNA until production ceased in 2016.
The latest evolution came in 2007. Whilst the styling has barely changed (the discerning eye will nonetheless notice the bulge on the bonnet), the engine is completely new. It's a 2. 4-litre turbodiesel common-rail unit producing 122 horsepower from Ford. A first for the Land, especially as it's coupled to a six-speed gearbox. To celebrate this exceptional longevity in the automotive world as it deserves, Land Rover gave it a special SVX series in 2008. A fine opportunity to present today this genuine rolling institution.
This example therefore represents the final technical evolution of the original Defender. It comes as a long-wheelbase chassis (110 inches), and this special 60th anniversary series offered the best-equipped Defender ever proposed. It's finished in metallic black paint with '60th anniversary' badging in satin on the flanks. This special series is also distinguished by the contrasting silver finish of the Defender SVX badge, tubular side steps, the sculpted grille surround, new headlights with smooth lenses, 16-inch five-spoke Diamond Tuned alloy wheels badged Defender, reinforced aluminium lower bumper at the front and LED rear lights. Inside it's equipped with heated Recaro front seats, an alloy gear lever knob, a new audio system with bass speakers and USB connection, an iPod docking station, and a centre console painted silver grey.
Air conditioning
ABS
Sunroof
Tow bar
Heated windscreen
7 seats
Originally French and impeccably maintained, this Defender gave me all the pleasure I'd hoped for on the 900km journey that allowed me to bring it back to the garage. Perfectly unsuited to motorway driving and yet so endearing, the original Defender is unquestionably a 'must-have'. 3 November 2008: Delivery of new vehicle by Technic Auto, Land Rover dealer in Valence (26)
14 May 2010: Service by Technic Auto at 24, 150km
10 December 2010: Service by Technic Auto at 36, 260km
2 February 2011: Change of owner
27 January 2012: Change of owner
2 November 2012: Service by Grim Auto SAS, Land Rover dealer in Montpellier, at 55, 681km
22 November 2012: MOT at 56, 143km
16 December 2014: MOT at 86, 191km
24 October 2019: MOT at 115, 171km
20 January 2020: Change of owner
6 February 2021: Complete clutch replacement (master cylinder, release bearing and mechanism) by Etape Auto (66) at 121, 600km
19 July 2021: Complete front right driveshaft replacement by Etape Auto at 125, 957km
28 June 2022: Tyre and rear brake pad replacement by Sanauto (66) at 131, 676km
5 July 2022: MOT at 131, 684km
11 December 2025: Annual service by ourselves at 139, 300 kms
May 2026: Major service carried out by Land Rover specialist at 142, 250 kms
