Loving the L663

Just picked up the May 23 issue of LRM in which you asked for opinions on the new Defender, and if they have changed since it was launched.

I’m a farmer in Dorset, and been driving Land Rovers for 60 years. In that time I think I’ve had six old Defenders; of those we’ve still got two left which have done goodness knows how many miles.

We bought our new-shape Defender 110 D240 S just over three years ago now, and it’s just about to roll over 30k.

We bought it feeling a bit dubious about it because it’s such a big change, but I think as a general purpose on- and off-road vehicle it is outstanding at everything you throw at it, and we now have another on order.

I know that some people are nostalgic about the old Defender, but just like with tractors, using vehicles like this as a workhorse, one can’t afford to be too nostalgic.

I’m an old guy not a young man, but I find it amazing what the L663 can do – once my grandson had taught me some of the technology! People who criticise it need to try it for a week – it’s awesome (bit pricey though, admittedly…). Regards, David Ford

MARTIN REPLIES: Many thanks for getting in touch and sharing your thoughts on the new Defender; it’s encouraging to hear it suits your needs so well. I agree regarding the nostalgia factor and a certain sentimentality regarding the old one, but given how many farmers, contractors and other business users leapt from the Defender (and Land Rover as a brand) to Japanese pick-ups years ago, I think as Land Rover enthusiasts we should wholeheartedly applaud using the newer generations as working vehicles.