2007 Land Rover Defender V8 by Bulletproof Performance

Production of the original Defender exceeded 2,000,000 examples before the model was discontinued by JLR in 2016 – but their loss was others' gain…. it created a new market of marque specialists who, as well as servicing and preserving the Defender, set about creating bespoke, enhanced and adapted examples for a client-base that truly value what the Defender represents.

The Land Rover Defender presented here is one of the most advanced, best-developed and truly capable examples we have ever come across. Built-to-order, taking 18 months to complete and with a build-cost of c.£250,000, this Bulletproof Performance machine is at the forefront of what can be achieved using the original Defender platform. Indeed, their current in-build vehicle is aiming to be the fastest Defender ever made, boasting some 2,000bhp. These machines are completely bespoke, engineered from the ground up, fully researched, developed, and tested. Their chief engineer is somewhat of a ‘guru’ and sets himself exacting standards, akin to a race team philosophy. Our vendor approached Bulletproof Performance looking for a vehicle that would offer their usual high performance but would also encompass some level of off-road capability. The brief was set, the specification agreed and, pleasingly, the subsequent build process was fully documented.

Starting with the best 2007 110 Defender example that they could source, most of the original vehicle was discarded (only the axle tubes, tops/front of the wings and part of the roof and rear tub are retained), whilst a specially designed chassis (produced to Bulletproof Performance specification – being thicker and with more bracing) was commissioned from specialists Richards of Yorkshire. The engine is a specially mounted, brand new, crated GM LS3 6.2-litre (376ci) naturally-aspirated, V8 allied to a GM 6LE80 6-speed automatic gearbox with an appropriate 2,200rpm torque-converter. The client opted for a non-supercharged engine, running the compatible GM ECU, as he thought 430bhp was adequate for his lifestyle requirements.

The transfer box is bespoke, being fully re-engineered and reinforced, with the splines of the output shaft (from gearbox to transfer box) expertly machined by a specialist (who’s day job is for a British supercar and F1 company!) mated to an ATB (LSD) central-locking differential. The suspension comprises custom-made Bilstein shocks (valved by Bowler) and Eibach springs/roll-bars plus a superior steering damper and box.

The bodywork is fully fabricated aluminium and was designed to be slimmer (as per the client’s wishes) than some other Bulletproof Performance Defenders. Panels were sealed together to create more of a monocoque structure, far superior to the regular Defender body, and all panels, doors and glass are new. The wheels are 20", one-piece, billeted aluminium, again, made to a Bulletproof Performance specification, and tested up to 280mph with a 1.5-ton payload! The brakes are from AP Racing, being 6-pot at the front and 4-pot at the rear, whilst the electric handbrake is by Wilwood. A long-range fuel tank allows decent range whilst also enjoying the performance available. The client wanted a concealed front winch so, naturally, the chassis was adapted to accommodate this.

The interior received an extensive Dynamat covering, before being fully trimmed by specialists Trim Technik of Liverpool, utilising Nappa leather on the dashboard and an Alcantara headlining, and the Sparco seats and standard rear bench seats were also retrimmed. The custom-made dashboard, with white Phantom analogue dials, was again a request by the client, as were the gun cabinet and toolboxes in the rear, all combining to create a really impressive interior environment topped off by a full, high-end audio system by French Hi-Fi specialist Focal, cleverly utilising the seat boxes for speaker capacity. All-in-all, this is perhaps the ultimate Defender – offering incredible road performance and handling which, in this spec, isn’t too extreme that it precludes using it off-road for country pursuits.

An unexpected change in circumstances now means that this incredible Land Rover Defender is now for sale, and Iconic Auctioneers are honoured to be offering it. It has covered less than 1,000 miles since its transformation and has been exceedingly well looked after in that time, as you’d expect. Bulletproof Performance would be more than happy to support the new owner with any advice, insight, technical support and/or servicing should that be required.

So, here we have it, a British motoring icon comprehensively enhanced with proper engineering integrity behind it, this is rare opportunity to save time and money as opposed to commissioning a new example from its maker. Don’t miss it!