Iconic Land Rover shape reborn thanks to specialist carmaker
THE classic Land Rover Defender is to ride again – but under a different name.
A Jaguar Land Rover offshoot has been given permission to use the shape of the iconic Defender 4x4, built in Solihull until 2016.
The go-ahead has been given to Bowler Motors, part of JLR’s Special Vehicle Operations division, to use the original shape for high-performance vehicles.
The agreement paves the way for Bowler to develop a new family of models, beginning with a project codenamed ‘CSP 575’.
The new model will be manufactured in very small quantities at Bowler’s headquarters in Derbyshire by the same engineers and technicians producing its competition 4x4s. The car will cost about £200,000 in the UK.
Initial plans for the 4x4 provide a glimpse of the rally-derived model, which will be the first new Bowler since 2016.
Founded in 1985, Bowler pioneered the production of dedicated off-road competition cars in the UK.
JLR acquired Bowler at the end of 2019 and its team has been developing a number of projects as part of Special Vehicle Operations, based in Ryton, Coventry.
Land Rover said its decision to issue Bowler with a licence agreement to build vehicles using the classic Defender shape is a natural progression of this relationship.
On the back of the partnership the new project represents a unique undertaking – integrating the technology, components and engineering excellence underpinning Land Rover’s SV products with Bowler’s motorsport expertise and experience.
Calum McKechnie, general manager, Bowler Motors, said: “The Bowler name has stood for innovation for 35 years. The licence agreement to produce vehicles with the classic Defender shape gives us a unique opportunity.
“We’re excited to combine our motorsport experience with the expertise available from Special Vehicle Operations to produce a thrilling competition-inspired Defender 110 Station Wagon for the road.”