Known for its iconic model series, Land Rover holds a prominent position among automobile brands. Many Rover series has rolled out since its inception, all being exceptional in performance and technology. One such series by the name of Defender became a hallmark. The Land Rover Defender is an evolution of the original Land Rover lineup which dates back to the 1940s. The model production ended in 2016 but the latest Defender brought back the focus on the famous nameplate once again in 2019.
Let’s take a look at the Land Rover Defender’s history and where it all began.
Series of Land Rover Defender
According to the annual used car market report 2021, the Defender is one of the most popular cars in the UAE.
Here are the details of different Defender series that will justify why Defender is popular even in the used car category.
LAND ROVER SERIES I (1948- 1958)
The mule prototype of the Land Rover was introduced in 1947 which featured a central driving position. The prototype was marketed as an “all-purpose vehicle” by the Rover. This prototype later became the first Land Rover. The model was unveiled at the Amsterdam Motor Show in April 1948 under the nameplate of Series I.
The exterior body of the Series I was manufactured from aluminium alloy that was attached to a steel frame. This steel frame was mounted over an 80-inch wheelbase. In later versions, this wheelbase was extended from 80 to 107 inches. The model was released in the pick-up body style with a vertical steel wall between the hood and the cabin. A space was present on the hood to mount the spare wheel.
The car was powered by a Rover P3 1.6-Litre petrol engine, capable of producing 50 horsepower. For the drivetrain, selectable 2WD or 4WD drivetrain systems were offered in this model. Later Rover upgraded the engine to a 1997cc 52bph and it was further modified to a 2052cc diesel engine in later versions.
The Series I received a facelift in 1950 and the front fascia was redesigned. Headlights were exposed up to 7 inches, apertures were fitted in the radiator grill and the front axle was pressed down to one lever. The low range was pulled rearward, making the vehicle automatically engaged. The wheelbase was extended to 88 and 109 inches.
LAND ROVER SERIES II (1958-1971)
Series II was known for its rugged strength and influenced the design of Defender Land Rover models in years to come.
It was introduced with deep side sills and round-shouldered side panels. It was later replaced with a front anti-roll bar, wider track and lower headlights as compared to the old Land Rover Defender model.
Series IIA forward control model was also launched, consisting of a 109-inch chassis and 30 cwt payload. Due to foreign market safety protocol, the headlamps were moved onto the front wings in 1969.
The series featured a twelve-seater layout. This version became a popular body type and was seen in Defender variants until 2002. It is also provided in an optional ten-seater. With the successful Series II, Land Rover also launched the Series IIA
In 1961, series IIA was launched with a 62 bhp, 2286cc diesel engine. Series IIA forward control model was also launched, consisting of a 109-inch chassis and 30 cwt payload. It had the option of four-cylinder diesel and six-cylinder petrol engines. However, the forward control model was discontinued in 1972.
This series powered on for 13 years when the vehicle production surpassed half a million and became a hallmark for future Land Rover Defender generations.
LAND ROVER SERIES III (1971-1990)
Series III was unveiled in 1971. Many features remained identical to its forerunners of series II and IIA. However, vehicle production peaked during this era with the numbers rising to one million.
In this generation, the front fascia was redesigned with flatter door hinges and plastic grilles. A plastic grille replaced the front metal grille and the headlights were mounted on the front fenders. The hood was restyled with a rounded edge and the spare wheel was recessed.
The interior of series III contained a simple central plastic dashboard with an instrument cluster at the back of the steering. The Station Wagon models came with door trims, floor mats and a roof lining.
The engines used in series III models were the same as series II and IIA. However, in 1979, a 3528cc V8 engine with 4WD was introduced with a central differential lock.
In the 1980s, series III was fine-tuned. This included a 3528cc V8 engine with 4WD and central locking. The 2286cc diesel was replaced by a 2495cc diesel engine. The engine was then upgraded to 2495cc with 85bhp in 1986. There was also an upgrade of a fully synchromesh four-speed gearbox.
LAND ROVER Defender (1990-2016)
In 1990, three vehicles were launched under the Defender nameplate 90, 110 and 130 which replaced the former One-Ten and Ninety. This marked the beginning of the Defender series.
The models introduced in this series had a utility body. The wheelbases varied among 90-inch, 110-inch and 130-inch. They had a box-squared body, round headlights and flat base fascia. There was a slightly tilted windshield and flat side panels. A slide-open system was added to the rear windows to ventilate the cabin. The radiator grille was slightly pushed outward to make space for a thicker radiator behind it.
The interior consisted of high-mounted seats in front and inward-facing seats for four people. The dashboard featured an additional panel that was mounted in front of the steering wheel.
A 2495cc 200Tdi turbo diesel powers the Defender and has 107 bph. The standard Td5 Defender engine later replaced it. In the early 2000s, the 122 bph Puma turbo diesel engine became the major Defender evolution. It also included a six-speed manual transmission. In 2012, a smaller 2.2-litre diesel engine was introduced.
A year later, LVX special edition was launched to celebrate 65 years of Land Rover. 2015 became the Year of the Defender with the launch of three limited edition Defenders. Series I was also recreated the same year at Solihull for military purposes.
PRESENT LAND ROVER Defender (2019-PRESENT)
After the original Defender rolled out and became a huge success; the production was seized in 2016. In 2019, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the 2020 Defender was relaunched. It debuted in two versions, Defender 90 and Defender 110.
There was a significant focus on keeping the SUV’s shape practical and family-friendly. Defender 90 is a two-door model while Defender 110 is a four-door vehicle. The off-road geometry was enhanced by a 119-inch wheelbase. The new Defender is built on a lightweight aluminium monocoque construction which gives a ground clearance of 11.4 inches. It can bear a payload of 900 Kg with a towing capacity of 3,720 Kg. Both Land Rover Defender models offer a coil suspension or an air suspension.
Defender 90 and Defender 110 offer six and seven seats while the former offers a third seat row. The sixth seat can be converted into a console when not in use. There is a 10-inch infotainment screen that is equipped with In Control Remote services and navigation, HD Radio Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The new Land Rover Defender has two engine options: a 2.0-Litre turbo 4 that produces 296 hp and a 3.0-Litre turbocharged six-cylinders with 395 hp with a mild hybrid system. The vehicle is powered by a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack and a belt-integrated starter motor.
This was all about the history of the Land Rover Defender. The features and specs of all Land Rover Defender models have depicted a sporty look and top-tier performance among Land Rover families. The Land Rover Defender’s history shows the eminent and notable design throughout the generations while keeping its rugged strength and performance. Being one of the legendary vehicles to be launched in the automotive industry, Land Rover has marked its name with multiple successful series under its name.
Therefore, if you want to add such a vehicle to your collection and want to avail these features, these used Land Rover Defenders in the UAE offer an extensive array of options for this iconic series.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on Land Rover Defender history and models.
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