The vintage land rover defender is one of the most iconic vehicles in the world. A British car manufacturing success story, it’s suitable for virtually any terrain and has been the vehicle of choice for adventurers around the globe since its introduction in 1948.
The classic land rover defender has become increasingly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts due to its rugged classic design. It is also seen as a symbol of exploration and exclusivity.
As a result, many vintage land rover defenders are getting restored and customized to cater to their owner’s preferences. This has led to their prices becoming astronomical, making these classic land rover defenders more desirable and exclusive.
There are a number of companies that specialize in building custom vintage land rover defenders and restoring them to their former glory. Himalaya, for example, builds a Defender near-identical to the original rolled off the production line at Solihull, England in the 1980s and 1990s, but with various customizations.
Bringing the Beast Back: The Art of Land Rover Restoration
Himalaya can add disc brakes, upgrade the stereo and even turn up the turbo for an exotic-looking Land Rover. They build about 60 vehicles per year.
But the real attraction of these custom-built Land Rover Defenders is their heritage and DNA. Unlike modern Land Rovers that have a lot of curvier details, the old Defenders have a more vertical front end and squared-off headlights. They also have spare tires on the swing-out rear doors.
These Land Rovers are a mix of the best of old and new. They have the toughness and capabilities of a classic Defender, and they’re just as reliable and easy to drive as their modern-day counterparts.