Land-Rover Information
Search Term:

A Guide To The Land Rover Defender

Land Rover Series I (1948 - 1958)

1947 saw the first prototype of the Land Rover, which was designed for farm and light industrial use following the end of World War II. After numerous tests, trials and appraisals and a further 48 examples, the Land Rover was launched in April 1948 at the Amsterdam motor show. Originally designed as a stopgap to keep the Rover car company busy until the post war depression was over and the car market revived.

The original Land Rover, or “Series I” was built on a steel box section chassis. Due to steel being rationed in the years after the war, the bodywork was fabricated out of the mountains of spare aircraft aluminium. This post war necessity proved a perfect, hard wearing combination and is the reason an estimated 85% of all Land Rovers ever built are still usable condition.

Land Rover Series II (1958 - 1961)

The Series II, introduced in April 1958 sported many refinements over the original concept. These changes included barrel sides, a wider track, and the now legendary 2.25 litre petrol engine. Until recently, this was the defining Land Rover appearance that remained virtually unchanged for just over 25 years.

Land Rover Series IIA (1961 - 1971)

2.25 diesel engines were first introduced in the Series IIA. Some minor changes to the bodywork, and a cosmetic dash layout upgrade were also featured. By 1967, the long wheelbase Land Rovers were sporting the all-new 2.6 litre 6-cylinder petrol engine. Original examples of early Series II and IIA's are classed as classic vehicles now, and are starting to vastly appreciate in value.

Land Rover Series III (1971 - 1985)

The production run of the Series III saw the shape remain virtually unchanged again apart from headlights mounted in the wings (as did the later Series IIA models), a plastic grill, and another instrument panel rethink. The first fully synchronised gearbox was introduced for the Series III. The 1,000,000th Land Rover rolled off the production line in 1976 showing just how in demand the Land Rover had become. Popular Series III models like the “County Edition” are still sought after today, over 20 since production of this model ceased.

Land Rover Lightweight (1968 - 1983)

The Lightweight versions were available as both SIIA and SIII models. These were originally built exclusively for the Ministry of defence. Mirroring the civilian Land Rover's mechanical skeleton, the shape of the bodywork was the main difference and although they were called Lightweight, these were actually heavier than the civilian versions. De-mountable body panels were designed to reduce weight allowing it to be lifted and transported by helicopter. The Lightweight versions had unrivalled off road capabilities and were quickly acquired by off-road enthusiasts once the MoD sold them on to make room for more modern Land Rovers.

Land Rover Defender (1983 - onwards)

Although the 110" first came onto the market in 1983, the Series III remained in low volume production until 1985. To combat the onslaught of foreign competition, these new models included refinements such as coil springs, a wider track, 5-speed gearbox, constant 4WD, updated interior, as well as power steering as an option. The engine choices included 2.25, 2.5 and 3.5 litre petrol engines and a range of diesel power plants including:
  • 2.25 (Early models only)
  • 2.5 (1984 to 1986)
  • 2.5 T/D (1986 to 1990)
  • 2.5 Tdi 200 series (1990 to 1994)
  • 2.5 Tdi 300 series (1994 to 1998)
  • TD5 (1998 onwards)
The “Defender” brand was not officially used until 1990, but has now been synonymous with all coil sprung Land Rovers. Once again, the "County" models are extremely popular with private owners from all walks of life.
Copyright © 2006 - WioP: All Rights Reserved.     |     WioP: The World In One Place.