The Value of
Custom Defenders
as Investments
INTRODUCTION
A classic Land Rover Defender transcends the conventional roles of a vehicle. It is more than just a means of transportation, a reliable workhorse, or a source of leisure. It embodies the potential for a sound financial investment.
While many vehicles succumb to the inevitability of wear and tear, a custom Land Rover Defender stands as a testament to a different narrative. These iconic vehicles were crafted with superior quality parts and meticulous craftsmanship, emphasizing longevity. In the past, cars and trucks were built to endure, with parts designed to outlast their counterparts and easily replaceable when needed. The Defender, with its formidable reputation, epitomizes this enduring quality, a vehicle capable of venturing beyond the end of the road and into the wilderness.
THE HISTORY OF THE LAND ROVER DEFENDER
The Defender’s roots go back to the end of the Second World War, when two British car designers identified a need for a light utility vehicle to help rebuild the economy and agriculture of a war-ravaged Britain. This resulted in the emergence of the Land Rover Series 1, which was in production between 1948 and 1958. It quickly gained a reputation for being incredibly strong and durable. The Series II followed between 1958 and 1971, with an increasing choice of engines and seating arrangements, and started to dominate global 4×4 markets.
Between 1983 and 1990, it was the turn of the 90 and 110 to dominate. Named after their wheelbase measurements, they offered improved ride quality but no drop off in rugged capability and with the classic good looks intact but upgraded. Engines were bigger and more powerful too, including the 3.5 litre V8. Then in 1990, the Defender was born out of this impressive history, gaining a new engine – the 200TDi that offered both power and better economy. Production of Defenders was finally halted in 2016, with this model and its antecedents having loomed large over the 4×4 world for almost 80 years.
Today, all over the world you can still find classic Defenders from all ages on the roads. A big after-sales industry has evolved to supply parts and allow customization of Defenders. This has given owners more options than ever before, introducing more modern comfort and ride elements to the power, durability and reliability on which Defenders made their name.
LONG-TERM VALUE APPRECIATION
Of course, this guide is all about how it is possible to choose a vehicle that won’t depreciate over time. The Land Rover Defender is perhaps the ultimate example of a car that can increase in value, in part simply because of the historical significance and iconic status of its design. But also because of the superior build quality, customizable and after-sale options, and the presence of a healthy and growing community of passionate Defender owners and restorers.
It’s also the legendary durability that appeals to car owners and investors all over the world. A classic Defender may have its iconic good looks, but it’s also durable, versatile, and crucially usable. The build quality and rust prevention means they just keep going and going.
Another key reason Defenders hold their value and increase over time is their exclusivity. Classic Land Rover Defenders are hard to come by, meaning that they become more valuable with each passing year.
DEFENDERS OFFER GREAT FAMILY VALUE
The Defender is in the almost unique position of being a high-value classic that still functions as a modern family vehicle, especially with a few customizable comfort upgrades.
This, combined with their longevity and durability, means they can last for generations if maintained well. And this is a crucial point that’s worth expanding. A classic Defender will be over 20 years old, and any vehicle with that number of years under its belt will need an extra level of maintenance.
Back when the Defender was manufactured, they used the best quality materials that were available. Still, they did not have the luxury of some modern materials that had been developed in the intervening years. That means they need to be regularly examined for rust, with paintwork checks or upgrades to some of the more vulnerable parts or features.
Contact UsCUSTOMIZATION POTENTIAL
We mentioned the importance of looking after your Defender, and to a large extent, this means upgrading and customizing elements of the vehicle. Some common areas where upgrades can be made include incorporating modern tech elements such as Apple CarPlay and new speakers and comfort features like new seating and interiors. In fact, the interior is perhaps the one feature of the Defender that really has a lot of upgrade potential. Old cabs were built for the rigors of everyday working, but there is a range of modern comfort options that can easily be installed to rectify these flaws.
As well as interior upgrades, the exterior may need some TLC too. Exterior paint, wheel upgrades and roof repairs are not uncommon. Just like your home needs occasional decorating, gutters clearing, wood surfaces treated and countless other maintenance jobs carried out, so does your Defender in order to maximize your investment. However, it is important to remember that, in general, the upgrades required are cosmetic and that the bones and structure of Defenders should generally need less work.
MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP
Of course, that’s not to say that the moving parts and features under the bonnet don’t need some maintenance. Making sure the engine, gear box and other main fundamental engineering elements of the Defender are in good condition is vital to retaining value. Should you choose to sell the vehicle, any potential buyers will be looking for vehicles that have been cared for correctly. That means carrying out regular oil changes, ensuring brakes are well maintained and more, as well as taking care of the more visible cosmetic side of things.
Get IN Touch
Their continuing friendship, strengthened by a shared love of adventure, the great outdoors and Land Rover Defenders, led to the founding of the Transatlantic Trading Company (TATC).
Robert and Chris have spent their lives living, breathing and driving adventure. Their shared love of Land Rover Defenders sprang from growing up in a remote part of South West England, famous for its rugged moorland and windswept coastlines.
THE JOY OF TRAVEL
Any investment in a car is not just financial, and the rewards of owning a Defender go far beyond just its monetary value. How can we put a price on the joy, fun and sense of adventure that a Defender can bring? Off roading through the mountains and forests or tackling deserts and beaches – these are the horizons that this type of vehicle can open up. There are also the benefits of being able to use your Defender for work, using it for jobs in rural areas and on farms. This can all add value to any investment in a different way.
WHAT TATC CAN OFFER
Here at TATC we take an enormous amount of pride in every Land Rover Defender we restore. All our work is based on a solid foundation of engineering know-how, skill, and experience. We set the bar high for levels of craftsmanship and work closely with our clients to provide them with unique and customized vehicles that really stand out from the crowd.
Why not get in touch with the team to find out more about what we do, or alternatively view our inventory to see what’s available right now.