Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. Despite, or perhaps because of, being recognisably related (with the same charm and character) to the very first Land Rover of 1948, the Defender retained a steadfastly loyal customer base. Perhaps the most significant development, however, was nothing to do with a change in the vehicle’s appearance or specification - it was the gradual adoption amongst trendy metropolitan elites as their carriage of choice, taking the Land Rover legend from the country into the city. As such, it became popular with both cattle herders and yoga instructors alike, an expanding market that is now reflected in a replacement new-era Defender that’s as good carving through SW1 as it is up to its axles in mud. Production of the original (and arguably the best) Defender exceeded 2, 000, 000 examples before the model was discontinued by JLR in 2016 – but their loss was others’ gain. It created a new market of marque specialists who, as well and servicing and preserving the Defender, set about creating bespoke, enhanced and adapted examples for a client-base that truly value what the Defender represents.
One such specialist workshop is Nene Overland of Peterborough, dedicating themselves to all things Defender since 1988. They are able to do complete ‘in-house’ builds and have always set the standard when it comes to Defender enhancement. In 2015 they were approached by Guy Ritchie, the esteemed British film director, to create a vehicle to his exacting requirements. As the owner of the 1, 100-acre Ashcombe Estate in Wiltshire and a devotee of country pursuits, any such Defender had to really cut it, both practically (as a work vehicle, shoot-truck and ferrying guests around the Wiltshire countryside) and aesthetically (enhanced/ bespoke whilst still retaining the classlessness of a Defender) and also be able to cruise up to London for a stint at the film studios, a premiere or social event, again having to pass muster with the cosmopolitan city crowd – no easy brief for Nene Overland!
They sourced this 2. 2-litre ‘Puma’ diesel-engine 2011 Defender 110 XS specifically for the project, knowing it to be especially well cared for, regularly serviced and with just 28, 000 miles. The specification was to be impressive and highlights include a 430bhp Chevrolet ‘crate’ LS3 6. 2-litre small-block V8 engine, a 6-speed automatic gearbox, cruise-control, four-corner fully adjustable air-suspension, upgraded brakes, 20” wheels with premium tyres, a set of new, full-size Range Rover (heated, vented and electrically-controlled) leather seats (the rear seats are set right back to give a limousine-esque experience) and a specially-built, concealed and lockable gun drawer in the luggage bay floor.
The colour choice was key and would set the tone for the whole project with the final choice being satin-finished Keswick Green which contrasted well with the black accents of the wheels and billeted door handles and hinges. The addition of auxiliary lights, front and back, by market-leading brand, Lazer, plus a recovery-winch unit and twin rear exhausts all add a sense of purpose and subtle ‘flex’ whilst retaining an air of restraint. As for the interior, all the seats and door-cards were trimmed in Lincoln Green with black quilted leather, whilst the whole area is fully soundproofed, carpeted and Alcantara-trimmed, further benefitting from upgraded audio by Focal, the French hi-fi specialists, and additional ambient lighting.
And now this incredible Land Rover Defender is for sale, and Iconic Auctioneers are very honoured to be selling it on behalf of Guy Ritchie. It has covered less than 20, 000 miles since its transformation and has been exceedingly well looked after in that time, as you’d expect. So, here we have it, two British cultural icons – the Land Rover Defender and Guy Ritchie - what a combination and what an opportunity this is then, to acquire the personal car, designed and enjoyed by the man himself. Don’t miss it!
