The 9 Ultimate Land Rover Defenders

1. 1965 OTAL One Ton Amphibious Land Rover

This particular Defender was built as a one-off for the Australian army. It featured a sealed under body, watertight compartments and copious amounts of buoyancy foam. The vehicle was tested by the Australian military but it didn’t meet their unique requirements at the time. We love it simply because it demonstrates the unique versatility of the platform. Just another one of the reasons that I’m sad to see it go, even though the old girl was getting on a bit.

2. 1968 Series IIA 109 SAS ‘Pink Panther’

The ‘Pink Panther’ is one of the most recognisable Defender variants. Based on the Series IIA 109 chassis, 72 vehicles were converted to Special Air Service (SAS) specification. These were some of the most advanced military machines in existence back in 1968, featuring grenade launchers, flare guns, GPMG Machine Guns and SLR Rifles. Originally painted traditional military green, the colour was changed to the famous pink to suit its deployment to Oman.

3. 1991 Land Rover Perentie 6x6

Years before Mercedes made a 6x6 G-Class there was this, the six-wheeled Land Rover Perentie. Built by Rover Australia, the vehicle was significantly longer and wider than a traditional Defender 110. The Perentie featured a turbocharged 3.9-litre Izuzu turbo diesel with a reinforced galvanised chassis. The Perentie was used in operations all over the world including Iraq, Somalia and Afghanistan.

4. 1980 Esarco 8x8

The 6x6 Perentie is certainly an impressive machine, but if you want to go bigger you’ll have to track down an Esarco. Based on a Land Rover 110, the Esarco was a seriously impressive piece of engineering. Two full-time four-wheel drive transfer cases were used in conjunction with six differentials to give the machine ultimate go-anywhere ability. A counter-steering rear axle also helped the driver to manoeuvre the huge beast. The vehicle used a Rover 3.5-litre V8 engine and could reach a top speed of 60mph. Unfortunately the Esarco was expensive to run and maintain which lead to a limited life span.

5. 1964 Series IIA Forest Rover by Roadless Traction, Hounslow

This ridiculous vehicle was built by tractor specialists Roadless Traction of Hounslow. The Forest Rover was designed for companies that needed a go-anywhere vehicle. Around 20 vehicles were built with most going overseas, but this example in the Dunsfold Collection remained in the UK and was used by the Central Electricity Board.

When most modern 4x4s get stuck off-road on video shoots (which happens frequently), they’re usually pulled out of the mud by a torquey tractor. We can’t imagine this vehicle ever needed assistance. The ultimate all-terrain machine? Quite possibly.

6. 1950 Series 1 Bertam Mills Circus vehicle

This Series 1 is probably the most pointless and ultimately silly Defender ever produced. Built by the Bertam Mills Circus, the vehicle was designed to fool audiences into thinking that the circus elephant, Kam, was driving. And yes, Kam was a real elephant.

The Defender underwent some serious development to get the elaborate hoax to work. The driver was hidden in the box at the back of the vehicle where he used extended controls to drive the vehicle. The suspension was reinforced with double coil springs to take the weight of the elephant, and the steering was moved to the left to allow the driver to fit between the drive shaft and rear differential. The original vehicle is in the hands of the Dunsfold Collection and thankfully Kam has been replaced with a prop elephant. Here’s a vintage film of the Defender in action.

7. 1947 ‘Centre Steer’

The automotive press was astounded when Gordon Murray revealed the 1992 McLaren F1 with its revolutionary central driving position. This wasn’t a new idea, however, as evidence by the very first Land Rover - the incredible 1947 Centre Steer.

However, unlike the McLaren, the central steering concept wasn’t designed to improve the driving experience. It was simply an idea that would allow Land Rover to lower their production costs. By using a central driving position the car would be suitable for both right and left hand drive markets. Unfortunately, because the engine was mounted longitudinally there was hardly any leg room so the idea was quickly scrapped.

The whereabouts of the original is unknown but the Dunsfold Collection has this replica version on its fleet.

8. 2015 Land Rover Defender SVX Spectre

This is a left-field choice, but we think that this is arguably the best looking Defender of all time. Developed by Special Vehicle Operations, ten base Defender double-cab pick-ups were converted to full ‘Spectre specification’ for the most recent James Bond film. Clad with 38-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw radial tyres, this Bond variant looks ready to tackle any terrain. The raised air intake should allow for some serious wading depths and the 340 HID Lighthouse sport lamps are perfect for hunting down a spy. Riveted fender flares and a full external roll cage adds to the aggressive looking package.

The tough exterior is backed up with impressive mechanicals. The Defender has received reinforced differentials, Bilstein steering dampers, a quick ratio steering box and a low ratio gearbox. The huge winch should also help it get out of any sticky situations. Unfortunately the SVX is powered by a very basic 2.2-litre 180bhp diesel engine. But then again, speed has never been the Defender’s forte.

9. 1995 Land Rover 101 Forward Control ‘Judge Dredd’

The 101 Forward Control was originally designed as a military vehicle and over the years they have been used as ambulances, tug vehicles (for 105mm machine guns) and troop transporters. However, the most extreme version of the ‘FC’ wasn’t designed for the battlefield, it was created for the 1995 film Judge Dredd.

Reportedly, Director Danny Cannon stated that Land Rover would be the only manufacturer left in a post-apocalyptic environment. Land Rover got word of this and designed a few concept of potential ‘future’ Land Rovers. After showing their ideas to the movie designers, the team settled on the American football helmet inspired 101 Forward Control. After the film some of the vehicles were sold off in full movie spec, while others were restored back to original condition.