• Offered directly from the collection of former Bowler Motors Limited Director Richard Hayward.
• Verified mileage of just 20,588 miles from new.
• Highly specified, including Bowler “Fast Road” suspension, Stage 1 tuned engine and 18” Alloy wheels.

Please note, owing to the UK having now left the European Customs Union, buyers should be aware of any and all implications of purchasing a UK based lot, including but not limited to this lot being subject to VAT on the full purchase price if importing into the EU.

More than three decades after its introduction - at which point it was simply referred to as the Land Rover 90 or 110, depending on the choice of wheelbase - production of the original iteration of the Land Rover Defender ceased in January 2016. A combination of ever stricter crash and emissions regulations, combined with an ageing platform and increasingly outdated ergonomics, meant that the familiar “two box” shape would be phased out, to be replaced by a new shape Defender from 2019 onwards.

The final end-of-line cars were, appropriately, designated “Landmark” editions and featured a significantly more luxurious interior than had hitherto been seen on any Land Rover. The trusty 2.2-litre DT224 diesel engine was retained, with power being transmitted via a six-speed manual gearbox and a permanent four-wheel drive system. However, the full leather - and, in the case of both driver and passenger, heated - seats were a far cry from the original 1982 cars, as was the air conditioning and CD Radio with Bluetooth and MP3 sound system.

A handful of Landmark 110s were further improved by Bowler, of which this is one such example. Significant mechanical modifications included the fitment of an uprated Bowler “Fast Road” suspension package, a “Stage 1” tune engine and 18” Bowler 15 spoke alloy wheels; the latter appearing in place of the standard 16” five spoke items.

Whilst some standard Landmark details - such as gloss black finish to the headlight fascias and front grille - were retained, there were a plethora of other minor external changes on Bowler-modified examples, including the fitment of black side rails, black lightweight bumpers, black rear steps and “Bowler” bonnet lettering. Furthermore, the gloss black roof panel and wheel arches of the standard Landmark editions were replaced with body colour items, whilst other Bowler-instigated ergonomic and cosmetic changes included the utilisation of laser halogen headlights, a lightweight competition-type gear lever, tinted windows and the replacement of the standard steering wheel with a 350mm Alcantara item by Momo.

Offered once again from the same collection of impeccably selected Land Rovers and Bowlers as the previous six lots, this particular vehicle - accompanied by Bowler Build Plaque L37 - represents a rare opportunity to purchase a highly collectable example of the final generation of Land Rover Defenders. Immaculately presented, and with a recorded mileage of just 20,588 from new, it surely sets the standard by which other 110 Landmark XS models should be judged, and would without doubt make a very welcome addition to any serious utility vehicle-focussed collection. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa21.