The Land Rover Defender is truly a legend in the automotive world, and its rich history is packed with intriguing details that even the most passionate fans might not be aware of. Here are five surprising facts about the Defender that you probably didn’t know!
The name "Defender" is now closely associated with the vehicle, but it didn't officially come into play until 1990. Prior to that, it was simply referred to as the Land Rover 90, 110, or 127, depending on the wheelbase length in inches. The introduction of the "Defender" name was meant to set apart this tough, practical model from the brand's newer, more upscale offerings, like the Discovery and the Range Rover, which were becoming quite popular.
The very first Land Rover, which set the stage for the iconic Defender, was dreamt up in 1947 by Rover's chief designer, Maurice Wilks. There's a fascinating story that he actually sketched the vehicle's outline in the sand on a beach in Anglesey, Wales. His muse? The American Willys Jeep, a military surplus vehicle he had been using on his farm. Wilks wanted to build a reliable, all-terrain workhorse that would serve farmers and rural communities well.
After World War II, steel was heavily rationed in Britain. To get around this, Rover used a surplus of aluminum that was available from the aircraft industry. This decision had a significant and lasting impact on the Defender's identity. The aluminum body panels not only made the vehicle lighter and more agile off-road, but also gave it its signature appearance and, crucially, made it resistant to rust—a major advantage for a vehicle designed to operate in wet, harsh conditions.
The Land Rover Defender has a long and close association with the British Royal Family. Queen Elizabeth II was a lifelong enthusiast and was frequently photographed driving a Defender, particularly on her estates in Sandringham and Balmoral. She learned to drive as a mechanic during World War II, and the Defender was her go-to vehicle for getting around the countryside.
The new Defender comes with both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, but Land Rover's dedication to sustainability actually goes way back. In 2008, they introduced an experimental electric Defender known as the Defender EV. This vehicle was fully functional and produced zero emissions, capable of running for several hours on a single battery charge. It really showcased how this legendary off-roader could embrace the future of automotive technology.