When Was the First Defender Built?

The Defender is a beloved model among expedition-style SUV enthusiasts. It has a rich history that dates back to 1983, although it had a relatively short tenure in the U.S. market, from 1993 to 1997. Since then, Land Rover has consistently developed and manufactured influential and luxury off-road capable vehicles, including the redesigned Defender, for rugged performance around Jersey City. Learn more about the Defender history with Land Rover Englewood.

Defender History: The Formative Years

The roots of the Defender can be traced back to the original Land Rover, which was designed in 1948 as an inexpensive, all-purpose vehicle for British farmers. Building on the success of the original Land Rover Series I as well as the Land Rover Series II, and the Land Rover Series III, the Defender became a sleek, utilitarian vehicle with boxy paneling and sharp lines. Let’s walk through the history of when the first Defender was built:

• 1948-1958 – The Land Rover Series I sets a new standard for rugged off-road luxury SUVs.
• 1958-1971 – The Series I was built upon and replaced by the Series II.
• 1971-1985 – Replacing the Series II, the Land Rover Series III makes waves and sets the stage for the first Defender models.
• 1983 – When the first Defender was built, it was named the Land Rover 110 and released only to the European market. While the official Defender name doesn’t come until later, technically, the 1983 model is the first Defender.
• 1984 – 1984 marks the introduction of the two-door Land Rover 90 variant.
• 1990 – The Land Rover 110 and the Land Rover 90 are renamed to the “Defender 110” and “Defender 90”.
• 1993 – It’s here that the Defender history in America begins.
• 1997 – The Defender has to leave the American market due to changing regulations, however, it is still sold in other countries.
• 2016 – After the original Defender is retired, the new Defender makes its debut, but wouldn’t be available globally until 2020.

See how far the new Defender model has come and compare it to the Discovery.

Upgraded Capabilities of the New Defender

While the original Defender carried a similar powertrain as the Land Rover Series III, it would come to distinguish itself in notable ways on the roads around Fort Lee and New York City. Here are some notable highlights in the Defender history:

• The original Defender shared much of its aluminum paneling design with the Series III. However, the Defender 110 created a distinctive look with a longer bonnet and new grille.
• It gained its rugged reputation with permanent four-wheel drive, a standard two-speed transfer gearbox, and a lockable center differential.
• The original off-road vehicle featured coil springs while the modern model has upgraded to air springs (relatively unheard of in the off-road market).

Throughout the 1980s, the Land Rover 110 would come equipped with more powerful engines to meet the demands of drivers. Although New York City and Fort Lee drivers would only get to experience it on the road for four years, it still made an impression on off-road enthusiasts.

Explore the New Defender at Land Rover Englewood!

When the first Defender was built, it highlighted durable design and rugged performance fit for the trails. That history continues today in the new Defender. Contact our team at Land Rover Englewood or visit our Englewood dealership to explore the strong engines and luxurious interiors. Start by exploring Defender lease offers.