Land Rover History & Models
From the 1948 Series I to the modern Defender — every generation, every wheelbase.
The Land Rover story begins in post-war Britain and spans more than 70 years of continuous production. Few vehicles have been as universally trusted across every terrain and every continent. The "Defender" name was applied retroactively in 1990 — but the lineage runs from 1948 to today. Here is every significant model, with specs and context for each generation.
Series I (1948–1958)
The original — designed for agricultural use from surplus wartime components. Centre-steer prototype evolved quickly into a right- or left-hand-drive production vehicle. Flat aluminium panels on a box-section steel frame. Built in Solihull from 30 April 1948.
Key variants: 80" Standard, 86" (1954), 88" and 107"/109" long-wheelbase (1956). Station Wagon body introduced 1948.
Series IIA (1961–1971)
The most versatile Series iteration. The 2.25L petrol four-cylinder became the definitive engine. Diesel added from 1957. The 109" Station Wagon (up to 12-seat) became the go-to for expeditions and military contracts across Africa, South America, and Asia.
Santana (Spain) and Tempo (India) licensed production expanded global reach.
Series III (1971–1985)
The most produced classic Land Rover. Updated with a full synchromesh gearbox (replacing the crash-box first gear), improved dash, and a distinctive plastic grille. The 109" V8 (from 1979) offered real performance for the first time. Production ended January 1985.
Parts availability and a huge owner community keep these running worldwide.
One Ten / 110 (1983–1990)
Launched March 1983 as the "Land Rover One Ten", this model replaced the long-wheelbase Series range. Coil-spring suspension was the headline change — dramatically improving ride quality and off-road articulation over leaf springs. Range Rover running gear underneath a familiar-looking utility body.
The County Station Wagon trim brought a level of passenger comfort previously unavailable.
Ninety / 90 (1984–1990)
Followed the One Ten in 1984, replacing the short-wheelbase Series III 88". Despite the name, the wheelbase is 92.9" — slightly longer than its Series predecessor. Shared the One Ten's coil-spring platform and mechanical improvements.
The nimble 90 became the preferred choice for military, agricultural, and recreational buyers who valued manoeuvrability.
Defender 90 / 110 / 130 (1990–2016)
The One Ten and Ninety were retroactively named "Defender" in 1990 to distinguish them from the new Discovery. The 130 (130" wheelbase) crew cab and high-capacity pickup joined the range. The Td5 (1998) brought electronic engine management; the TDCi (2007) followed EU4 emissions rules.
Final Defender 2,000,000 rolled off the line 29 January 2016.
New Defender L663 (2020–Present)
Launched in 2019 (2020 model year), the new Defender bears the name but uses a fully modern monocoque platform. While it shares the spirit of adventure, it's a very different machine from its forebears — laden with technology, air suspension, and driver assistance systems.
Classic Land Rover enthusiasts remain committed to the original body-on-frame lineage.