The Queen drives one, so does James Bond, the iconic British vehicle starring in both Skyfall and Spectre. Sadly after 68 years the last one rolled off the production line at the Solihull plant and one of Britain’s best-loved vehicles has come to an end. The company could no longer make the Defender emissions and safety compliant and it could be a couple of years before we see a replacement.

The Land Rover Defender was was originally built as a farm vehicle in 1948 and is one of Britain’s best loved vehicles. Stateside, where they haven’t been imported for years and so they fetch ridiculous prices for the few that are available.

If you have the cash you can buy one and have it customized any way you wish. Here are our top 5 Land Rover Defenders.

Paul Smith Defender

 

This unique vehicle, which was built entirely to Sir Paul’s own specification, was designed by the British fashion icon in collaboration with Land Rover and features hand-finished artwork, specially crafted by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division.

Overfinch Defender

 

Overfinch has been modifying Land Rovers since 1975 and for the 40th anniversary they have launched a new special edition Defender.

40th anniversary is made special with features like Overfinch’s trademark hood lettering set in polished black chrome with sandblasted inner. Inside sees a complete Overfinch leather trim package adorning Recaro front seats that have a bespoke 40th crest stitched into the headrest to mark the anniversary. A full electronics system with Alpine sat-nav, digital radio, and reversing camera are included.

They are only producing five examples of this limited edition, and each will be priced at over £70,000.

Wildcat Land Rover Defender

 

A small company called Wildcat, who make the sensational Bowler Wildcat, can make you a really fast Wildcat Land Rover Defender V8. No more chugging around the farm as Wildcat strips out the stock diesel engine and gearbox, and replaces it with a GM derived 6.2L gasV8 and 6 speed automatic gearbox providing 430 hp and more than 398 lb ft of Torque at 4,700 RPM.  Additional power upgrades are available providing over 550 hp and 472 lb ft .  The 6 speed automatic gearbox is mated seamlessly to the engine with a unique inbuilt ‘intelligent’ control module,  allowing the gearbox to adjust parameters accordingly.  The existing vehicle management system is reprogrammed to the new engine and gearbox, resulting in all existing instruments and controls being run as used in the standard vehicle.

Wildcat claim a 0 -60 mph time of 5.9 seconds for the 90 and 6.5 for the larger 110 version.

Zulu 2 Super Defender

 

The folks at JE Motorworks are insane, they use the 4.7 liter version of the famous Jaguar/Land Rover Supercharged V8, producing 475 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque – of which 368 ft-lb is available from just over 2000 rpm! Fitted with a bespoke stainless steel exhaust system, for the Zulu’s signature sound.  The performance suspension features Fox Racing dampers all round, JE Anti Roll bars front and rear, JE lowering springs, and 18” alloy wheels with 285/60 R18 performance road tires. A Quaife Limited Slip Diff and unique JE 6-speed Tiptronic Automatic gearbox means that the Zulu’s incredible power is delivered through the original Defender 4WD system! 6 piston calipers help it to stop.

Flying Huntsman

 

With a powerful 6.2-litre General Motors LS3 V8 generating an estimated 550 hp the explosive performance of the Flying Huntsman is a far cry from the stolid pulling power of the original Defender. Built to tame even the hardiest terrain, this modern British icon is equally comfortable outrunning any road going 4×4.  Just to prove they can, The Chelsea Truck Company makes a 6 wheel version.