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Land Rover Defender History in Perspective

2021 Land Rover Defender

Land Rover Defender history lovers and enthusiasts will know that the first Land Rover Defender was built in 1983, given the name “Defender” in 1990, and sold in the U.S. from 1993 to 1997. Despite this relatively short tenure on our shores, many have pointed out that the Land Rover Defender SUV’s story runs a whole lot deeper than that! Find out exactly what we mean by reading on.

Land Rover Defender History: From 1948 to 2016

Building on the successes of the Land Rover Series I, the Land Rover Series II, and the Land Rover Series III, the initial Defender featured sharp lines, boxy paneling, and a sleek, utilitarian design–all of which can still be seen today! Here’s what you should know about Land Rover Defender history:

  • 1948-1958 – The Land Rover Series I sets a new standard for rugged off-road luxury SUVs.
  • 1958-1971 – The Series I is replaced by the Series II.
  • 1971-1985 – The Land Rover Series III makes waves and sets the stage for the release of the first Defender.
  • 1983 – The Land Rover 110 is released to European consumers. When did the first Land Rover Defender come out? Although the name wouldn’t come until much later, this 1983 model is technically the first Land Rover Defender. 
  • 1984 – The Land Rover 90–a two-door variant of the 110–is also introduced. 
  • 1990 – The Land Rover 110 and the Land Rover 90 are renamed. This is when you start to see “Land Rover Defender 110” and “Land Rover Defender 90”.
  • 1993 – The Land Rover Defender 110 would go on sale in the American market.
  • 1997 – Changing regulations would cause the first Land Rover Defender to leave the American market, but it would continue to be sold in other countries.
  • 2016 – The first Land Rover Defender is retired to make way for the new Land Rover Defender, which was introduced globally as a 2020 model.

Highlights and Features of the First Land Rover Defender

Although the model that would become the Land Rover Defender initially carried the same engine as the Land Rover Series III, it would distinguish itself in other important ways. Here’s where the first Land Rover Defender stood out:

  • Although it carried much of its aluminum paneling over from the Series III, a longer bonnet and a new grille gave the 110 (later the Defender) a distinct look.
  • Permanent four-wheel drive, a standard two-speed transfer gearbox, and a lockable center differential gave the first Land Rover Defender its go-anywhere reputation.
  • Although the modern Land Rover Defender features air springs (a relative rarity in the off-road market), the original featured coil springs.
  • Compared to the Series III, the original Defender would feature unique interior styling and a more luxurious suite of features.

As the 1980s rolled by, the Land Rover 110 would gain progressively more powerful engines. As it turns out, this is exactly what drivers were looking for. Sales improved throughout the decade. Although the Land Rover Defender would only be made available to Edgewater and Crofton drivers for four years in the 90s, it had no trouble making an impression on adventurers.

Why Should You Choose the New Land Rover Defender?

The new Land Rover Defender takes many design cues from the original Defender, including its utilitarian style. However, in the vast majority of respects, it’s an all-new model that breaks with established precedents. 

Whether you look to its trail-tested air suspension or its impossibly luxurious interior, it’s clear that this model is going where no off-road luxury SUV has gone before. Many, including the folks at Motor Trend, have taken notice! The Defender is their 2021 SUV of the Year.

See the New Land Rover Defender for Yourself!

If you’re located anywhere near Severna Park or Edgewater, you can find the new Land Rover Defender at Land Rover Annapolis today! Start exploring our Defender lease offers from the comfort of your home, or step into our virtual showroom to move forward with the model of your choice.

Land Rover Annapolis 39.0177406, -76.4824321.