From Series I to Today: The Land Rover Defender Story

There’s a reason a classic Defender turns heads in a Woodfield parking lot. The shape is instantly recognizable, and it comes from a single line of rugged 4x4s that runs unbroken from 1948 to the Defender you can test-drive on Golf Road today. If you love Defenders, old or new, this one’s for you.

1948: It starts with the Series I

The first Land Rover was shown at the Amsterdam Motor Show on April 30, 1948. It was built to be simple, tough and useful, with an aluminum body (steel was in short supply after the war) over a sturdy chassis. That vehicle was later called the Series I. The Series II followed in 1958, then the Series III, each one refining the same go-anywhere idea.

1983–1990: Coil springs and the Ninety and One Ten

In 1983 Land Rover introduced the One Ten, named for its 110-inch wheelbase. The shorter Ninety followed in 1984, and the extra-long One Two Seven in 1985. The big change was coil springs in place of the old leaf springs, which meant a more comfortable ride and better axle articulation off-road.

1990: The Defender name arrives

When the Discovery launched in 1989, “Land Rover” became the name of a whole brand rather than one vehicle. So in 1990 the utility models were renamed Defender 90, Defender 110 and Defender 130. The original Defender stayed in production at Solihull, England, until January 29, 2016. By then, more than two million Series and Defender models had been built since 1948.

The American chapter: NAS Defenders (1993–1997)

Defenders were only sold new in the U.S. for a few model years. The North American Specification (NAS) Defender 110 arrived for 1993 in a limited run of about 500 for the U.S. The NAS Defender 90 followed from 1994 through 1997, with an external roll cage and U.S.-spec lighting. After the 1997 model year, the Defender left the U.S. market. That’s a big part of why NAS Defenders are so collectible today.

2020: The Defender comes home

The all-new Defender was revealed in 2019, and U.S. deliveries of the Defender 110 began in 2020, the first time a new Defender had been sold here since the 1997 model year. Today’s lineup carries the 90, 110 and 130 names forward, though on the new Defender those names no longer match the wheelbase in inches.

Classic vs. new: what carried over

[Keep this table to facts from Land Rover USA. No guesses on specs.]

Thinking about a classic Defender?

A few things every Defender fan in Illinois should know:

• The 25-year rule. Defenders that were never sold new in the U.S. can generally only be imported once they’re at least 25 years old. Newer non-U.S. Defenders aren’t eligible, even if they look identical.
• Know what you’re buying. Classic Defenders are often rebuilt, and some combine parts from several trucks. A trusted inspection matters.
• Factory heritage support. Land Rover Classic, Land Rover’s own heritage division, offers parts, restorations and historic records for older models.

Want the Defender feeling with modern comfort?

If you love the classic look but want heated seats, modern safety tech and a warranty, today’s Defender was built for you. Come see the 90, 110 and 130 side by side at Land Rover Schaumburg, 920 W Golf Rd, or call sales at 847-252-7800 to set up a test drive.

Related reading: “Will a Defender Fit in Your Garage?” and “Buying a Used Land Rover Defender: What to Check”.

Sources

• Wikipedia — Land Rover Defender: 1983 One Ten, 1984 Ninety, 1990 renaming, end of production January 29, 2016, 2 million+ built
• Land Rover Monthly — Defender: Rebirth of an Icon: Solihull production 1948–2016
• Rovers North — Searching for a ROW Land Rover: 1993 U.S. introduction, 25-year import rule, rebuilt trucks
• Rovers North (RoverParts) — NAS Defender 110: 500 NAS 110s for the U.S.
• Expedition Portal — Land Rover Begins US Deliveries of All-New Defender: 2020 U.S. return
• Land Rover Classic: factory heritage division