DEFENDER PRICES OUT OF CONTROL?

The Defender represents the end of an era, and the pinnacle of these iconic off-roaders are the Heritage Limited Edition models. Limited to 400 in the UK, the market seems to have got silly.

Just take this particular Heritage 90, for example. It belonged to Rowan Atkinson and has covered just 2260 miles, but it’s estimated to reach upwards of £45,000. When you then add the buyer’s premium of 15 per cent including VAT at 20 per cent you’re looking at paying 60 grand for a vehicle that cost £27,000 two years ago.

It seems with production coming to an end there has been an increase in demand driven by both nostalgia and in seeking out the best of the last few made, prices are being sustained at a very high level. While we’re all guilty of loving the Defender’s biggest downfalls – unreliable, unsafe and slow – it seem people will now pay big time for such, ahem, privileges.

Nick Whale, Managing Director of Silverstone Auctions commented: “I think when you have an immaculate, low-mileage vehicle with such a distinguished pedigree, and represents such an important part of Land Rover history, it’s going to have a huge appeal. Remember, it is one of only 400 made so this distinctive Defender offers an exclusive slice of a great British tradition. When you factor in the celebrity ownership of Rowan Atkinson it only adds to the allure”

If you are interested in such a car, which Rowan specified with an upgraded DBS stereo, mudflaps, tow bar, a bespoke dog guard and rubber over mats through-out, register your interest at: silverstoneauctions.com. The auction will be held on July 29-30. Are Defender prices out of control? See Market News on page 178