Ultra-rare Land Rover Defender inspired by James Bond film with a supercharged V8 engine hits market for 5-figure sum
AN ULTRA-rare Land Rover Defender inspired by a James Bond film with a supercharged V8 engine has hit the market for a five-figure sum.
The Defender 90, which has been billed as “rare opportunity to own a piece of royal history“, dates from 2010.
It was supplied new to the Royal Garage at Highgrove House that year – to be used exclusively by King Charles and Camilla, the then Prince and Duchess of Cornwall.
And now, royal fans could be able to pick it up for the reasonable sum of £50,000.
Images reveal the royal car finished in Keswick Green with a Charcoal Grey interior with only minimal wear, on the driver’s seat.
It also features heated seats and front and rear screens, which are rare for a Defender.
The motor, which featured in the 2021 release No Time to Die, was specifically designed for Charles and Camilla by JLR Special Vehicles.
Plus, the original confirmation letter, addressed to Tim Williams, Head Chauffeur to HRH The Prince of Wales and TRH The Duchess of Cornwall, is retained in the vehicle’s history file.
The car and letter have recently formed part of a dedicated Royal Collection, cared for by its current owner.
The listing by Iconic Auctioneers reads: “Accompanied by original paperwork, the vehicle includes a Land Rover Motoring Users Guide, Land Rover Assistance Membership Card, and a Certificate of Motor Insurance from the period.
“The original service book shows its first service was completed by M.J. Fews, Land Rover, Wooton-under-Edge, the local Land Rover specialist to Highgrove.
“With just 24,595 miles on the clock, this Defender remains in exceptional condition, reflecting the care it has received throughout its life.
“Please note, that the registration number ‘72 HRH’ is not part of the sale but could be available separately.
“This rare opportunity to own a piece of royal history is one not to be missed.”
The auction is set to take place on Saturday March 22.
The rare sale comes after another the original Land Rover from Daniel Craig‘s last outing as 007 was also listed for auction.
Its price was estimated between £129,000 and £150,000 – with the auction set to take place on March 1 with Historic Auctioneers.
The vehicle is one of only 300 produced, and is manufactured in right-hand drive for UK based motorists.
The Defender is poised to fetch around £150,000 – a steal given its quality and association.
Its new owner will also enjoy 5.0-litre supercharged petrol engine which produces 518bhp, allowing it to clock a top speed of 149mph.
Aston Martin that featured alongside Pierce Brosnan for Bond film on sale – over 20 years on from blockbuster’s release
By Jacob Jaffa
A VINTAGE Aston Martin that featured alongside Pierce Brosnan for a beloved Bond film is up for sale 20 years on from the blockbuster’s release.
The car was actually owned by the manufacturer’s chairman himself and bears some special Bond-themed touches.
Chief among these is the chassis number, with the firm specially awarding the 007 digits to the motor.
A 2001 Vanquish model, it is practically identical to the stunt car used in the film Die Another Day.
The film followed Brosnan’s Bond as he thwarted a plan to allow a Communist takeover of South Korea.
In one of its most enduring scenes, Her Majesty’s superspy chases down villain Gustav Graves across the frozen landscape of an Icelandic glacier using the Vantage.
While this car wasn’t actually used on set, it did accompany Brosnan back in the real world as a press car for a number of promotional shoots and events.
Perhaps the most unique feature, though, is the fact that it comes complete with replicas of the weapons installed by MI6 boffin Q in the film.
The front grille features several ports for red-tipped missiles while the bonnet houses retractable machine guns (all fake of course).
Photos accompanying the listing on AutoTrader show that the car comes with its original registration, as well as a special 007 logo number plate.
It remains in pristine condition and has only done 53,700 miles since new.
Many of those were under the stewardship of Dr Urich Bez, the former Aston Martin chairman and original owner of the car.
The silver body work looks to have barely a smudge on it, while the chestnut leather-trimmed interior appears pretty much brand new.
Under the bonnet, it carries Aston’s iconic V12 engine, laying down over 500 horsepower and a top speed of around 190mph.
The listing states: “This is a great opportunity to buy a car with a fascinating history.
“Originally delivered to Dr. Urich Bez from new and then subsequently used as a press car and featured in various magazine articles with Pierce Brosnan as well as several Die Another Day Bond photo shoots.
“The car will come serviced and with 12 months MOT, HPI clear and no accident damage.”
However, thanks to the amazing history it does, as you might imagine, come at quite the price.
The former Bond motor is advertised at £99,950.