Though the iconic Defender nameplate stretches back to the 1980s (and decades longer before it got the Defender name), its history in the US isn't as lengthy. Land Rover first offered the Defender 110 First Edition 30 years ago as 1993 model. To celebrate this occasion, the 2023 Land Rover Defender gains a limited production 30th Anniversary Edition that pays homage to the original's rugged design.
The Anniversary model is based on the Defender P300 S, meaning it uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower. Sadly, Land Rover didn't base it on the potent V8 model, which would have made it closer to the original in terms of powertrain. It comes finished in Fuji White with matching Gloss White steel wheels, replicating the style of the 1993 Defender First Edition. 500 examples will be built, each with a numbered heritage exterior badge. Only select Land Rover dealers will have the opportunity to sell one.
"This Edition celebrates the Defender model legacy here in North America, while offering technology and features that the adventurers of today expect in a new vehicle," said Joe Eberhardt, President and CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America. In addition to the white paint and retro steel wheels, the 30th Anniversary Edition gets curated content, including an expedition roof rack, classic mud flaps, fixed side steps, deployable ladder, and wheel arch extensions. Other optional extras made standard for the special edition include the Cold Climate Pack, Tow Pack, Black Exterior Pack, and Off-Road Pack.
It may be a special edition, but this particular Defender doesn't break the bank. Land Rover priced the Defender 30th Anniversary Edition at $75,000, a sizable increase over a standard Defender 110 S ($57,200). However, if you equip a Defender with all of the options from the Anniversary model, the price balloons to over $70,000. We'd say the unique badging and exclusivity could potentially be worth a few grand to the right buyer, especially someone who has a matching 1993 Defender First Edition in their collection.