Defender as an investment?
I keep getting written to and asked how much my Defender LXV cost new. The conversations afterwards always go the same way: “Ohh, now a used car costs significantly more” or “The Defender prices have generally increased significantly”.
These types of conversations led me to create a blog and YouTube series about the special series of the old Defender and show that investing in an original Defender can be worthwhile.
With this special series I would like to show how the special series were delivered to the dealer, because in my opinion original cars have the best increase in value or the best return on capital.
So, and now to the special series LXV:
Under the heading “65 Years of Cult,” Land Rover launched a special series in 2013 to mark the 65th birthday of the Land Rover Defender, which has been in production since 1948 (with a few changes). The special model LXV (Roman number 65) was limited to 605 vehicles worldwide. Of the 605 limited edition vehicles, 130 were sold on the German market. The LXV special series was only available in the 90 and 110 wheelbase in two special color variants and this had a list price of €39,900.00 for the 90 wheelbase and €45,500.00 for the 110 wheelbase.
I myself have seen the following variants of the above-mentioned wheelbases on the Internet over the last 6 years on Mobile and AutoScout24: 90 wheelbase with rear side windows (both color variants) and without rear side windows (only metallic paint in Santorini Black), 110 as a station wagon both color variants and once I saw a 110 as a Crew Cab or 110 Double Cab pick up in white.
What were the prices mentioned above?
The Defender SE served as the basis with the following standard equipment:
- Alarm system, perimetric, with immobilizer
- Center differential lock
- Mud flap, rear
- side running boards
Engine: 2.2l TD4 diesel, maximum power 90 kW (122 hp) at 3,500 min and a maximum torque of 360 Nm at 2000 min
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission with off-road reduction
In addition to the basic equipment, the Defender LXV also had the following equipment:
Inner space:
- Storage box or Chubbybox with contrasting stitching in orange
- LXV metal keychain with LXV embossing
- Exclusive package (front electric windows and central locking)
- Luggage net in the rear door
- air conditioner
- Leather steering wheel with orange contrast stitching
- Center console painted in Corris Gray
- 7 seater package
- Premium leather-fabric sports seats with Land Rover and LXV logo with heated seats
- All 7 seats have contrasting orange stitching
- Alpine radio with CD, USB, Bluetooth with hands-free system
- 4 speakers
- Floor mats with LXV emblem
- Winter comfort package, i.e. heated windshield, heated seats
Exterior equipment:
There were two color variants for the exterior paint: metallic paint in Santorini Black or plain paint Fuji White. The Fuji White comes from the Range Rover and was not otherwise available on the Defender. 16" Saw Tooth rims in Glossy Gray, with silver Land Rover emblems on the wheel hubs.
- Goodyear MT/R tires
- Rim lock in screw look
- ABS including electronic traction control
- Front grille slats painted in Santorini Black
- LXV stickers on the rear and the two front doors
- Wheel arch extensions painted in body color
- Headlight surround and front grille surround painted in Corris Gray
Price development:
Since the number of units is limited, the price has increased significantly in recent years.
90s are traded with high km readings for €35,000.00 - €45,000.00 and with low km readings under 100,000 km for €45,000.00 to €75,000.00.
Things look a little different with the 110. Here, high km readings (i.e. from 100,000 km) are traded for €40,000 - €65,000 and low km readings under 100,000 km are trading at €50,000.00 to €85,000.00. The price development just mentioned is from the past and I estimate that prices will increase a little in the future.
The 110 Crew Cab mentioned above was offered at the time for around €60,000 and had a mileage of less than 100,000 km. Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to verify with Land Rover whether this was an original.
Spare parts supply:
In 2018 I asked my local Land Rover dealer for parts for my LXV. I wanted to reorder the floor mats and the key ring because I couldn't find mine at the time. According to the local Land Rover dealer, the parts would not be available to order. Shortly afterwards I called the Classic Center in Essen Kettwig myself. Here the parts were still normally available and you could quote spare part numbers and prices.
Floor mat set LR051769 price. approx. €250.00
Keychain LR051770 Price. approx. €234.00
But be careful!
You can only reorder the parts if you present your vehicle registration document or vehicle registration document when ordering.
I hope that with the information and pictures listed above I was able to give you a good impression of what makes an original Defender LXV - 65th Anniversary.
If I have forgotten any information, you are welcome to write to me personally so that I can add it.