Are you ready for the new Defender?

One of the most anticipated automobile launches in recent history is just around the corner. Land Rover is reviving its iconic Defender. Starting late this year, the four-wheel drive off-road vehicle will be sold in North America for the first time in 20 years. Keep reading for a brief history of the Defender and to find out what you can expect from the new model.

The story behind the Defender

The Defender was developed by Land Rover in the 80s and discontinued in 2016. Over the years, it went through various iterations but stayed true to its core aesthetic and functionalities. Any Defender can be instantly recognized by its pragmatic, no-nonsense design. Its rugged and robust character has remained a constant.

Why it’s so fondly remembered

Originally designed for post-war farmers, the Defender is arguably the best off-road vehicle in history. For this reason, it was used extensively by the British military and showed up in countless blockbuster films, including Tomb Raider and the James Bond film Spectre. The fact that nearly 70 per cent of the Defenders ever made are still on the road is further proof of its hardiness.

Despite high demand, the Defender has always been a rare commodity in North America. It was only available for sale for four years in the 90s. This is because it didn’t meet strict American safety standards. Used Defenders from this era are now something of a collector’s item, fetching up to $100,000 USD.

What you can expect from the new Defender

The new Defender is being produced with the same 90-inch and 110-inch wheelbases as the classic Defender 90 and Defender 110 models. It’s as tough and rugged as every Defender that came before it but has been thoroughly modernized. In addition to updated interior and exterior designs, new models are equipped with the latest connectivity and driver assistance technologies.

In a statement, Land Rover summed up the 2020 Defender as follows: “the new model will represent 70 years of innovation and improvement in just one model year, honoring the model’s history for rugged durability and thoroughly remaining a Defender for the 21st century.”

Car shipping in Canada

Some vehicles are too precious to ship without the proper precautions, and Land Rovers are among them. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a 2020 Defender and require secure enclosed vehicle transport, you can count on the team at TFX International. Contact us today to learn more about our transport, storage and customs clearance services.