The Land Rover Defender was originally produced in 1948. Since then, it has graced many roads and dirt tracks with its amazing presence, performance and style. However, production of this superb vehicle can be ceased any time soon. To celebrate the fantastic years it has lived on Earth, here’s a list of some of the things you might now know about the Defender.
Its name only existed since 1990.
Although this beastly vehicle has been around since WWII, it wasn’t technically named Defender until the Discovery was created. It used to be called Land Rover Series I, II and III. Since then, Land Rover has given this 4×4 its moniker to avoid any confusion.
It used to have a center-mounted steering wheel.
The very first prototype of the Defender was fitted with a steering wheel at the center. Perhaps the reason behind this is that it was originally conceived as a farm and industrial automobile, which was inspired by the Willys Jeep.
It used to be made with aluminum skin.
This was due to the fact that there was a shortage of supply in steel after the WWII. As a result, materials like steel were given in rations. During this time, too, aluminum was much cheaper, which was basically the reason Defenders used to have aluminum skin.
It’s the Queen’s favorite vehicle if she’s not riding in a limo.
Queen Elizabeth II drives a Defender when not driven by a limousine. She also made a political statement with this classic, as women in Saudi Arabia weren’t allowed to drive. When then-Saudi Prince Abdullah went on an official trip to visit Her Majesty in Balmoral, she invited His Royal Highness a tour of her property. The Queen then hopped on to the driver’s side and went fast enough until the Prince request for her to slow down.
It can come as a monster truck or one with treads.
A Defender that’s created into a monster truck would be called a Forest Rover, which is obviously built to travel through forests with ease. If you’re not into trekking woodlands, you can order one with treads instead. It can allow you to drive through marshes without getting stuck.
The company Land Rover has made some of the most amazing vehicles in the 60s, which is why it’s no wonder that it created the Defender.
