Weary Land Rover models with well armed gunmen draped out of the passenger windows are not an infrequent occurrence in James Bond movies. Now, onlookers can appreciate a commemorative edition of the model and movie series with a factory commissioned Land Rover Defender Rally Special.
The James Bond franchise has been around for longer than most people who are likely reading this article. The 25 movie series originally written by Ian Flemming has now spanned 60 years and the British marque Land Rover has decided to prepare a Land Rover Defender 90 in commemoration of the anniversary.
Instead of headlight mounted mini-guns and tailgate deployable spike-strips, the Land Rover Defender Rally Special is equipped with all of the right goodies to make it go-fast off-road. The model will be equipped with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder P300 Ingenium engine which puts out 221 kW and 400 N.m. Modifications include a sports exhaust, full internal roll cage, rear mounted spoiler and upgraded powertrain cooling.
The suspension has been beefed up too in order to accomodate the theatrical Bond inspired stunts for the rally. A new subframe and springs connect the Bowler provided 18-inch strengthened wheels which are wrapped in all-terrain tyres to the black Defender.
In addition to the black lick of paint, the Land Rover Defender Rally Special has a custom livery which boasts a roof and door mounted 007/60 logo in gold while both the bonnet and tailgate feature the names of all James Bond films etched in gold.
The model will premier in the UK by competing in the North Wales leg of the 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge. The only driver fitting for the job is Mark Higgins who is not only a three-time British rally champion but a familiar personality in the James Bond movies after his role as stunt driver in Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre, and the most recent; No Time to Die.
The Bowler Defender Challenge is a 12-team, one make off-road challenge that serves as a feeder series for international rally-raid competitions. This is the same company that provided Richard Hammond of Top Gear fame with a Bowler Wildcat which had the TV personality shouting “I am a Driving God!” at the top of his lungs. He might have been able to apprehend Bond if he had one by the looks of it too!
