Land Rover and Paul Smith create exclusive Defender

Land RoverLand RoverUnited Kingdom, 1978 > present15 models
1742 photos
9 videos
revealed a custom DefenderLand Rover Defender Gen.1United Kingdom, 1983 > present122 versions
206 photos
1 video
created in collaboration with British designer Sir Paul Smith.

Admirer of the Land Rover Defender, the designer owns several of these vehicles acquired over the years. Smith praises its driving skills on rough terrain and says that is why he has a Defender at his house in Italy.

This special Defender was created in close collaboration with the design team of Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) department and Paul Smith. The goal was to create a unique vehicle, entirely built according to his specifications. With the guidance of Gerry McGovern, Design Director and Chief Creative Officer of Land Rover, the designer could translate his very personal version of this international automotive icon.

In all the Defender created by Paul Smith has exterior panels in 27 different colors. These tones were inspired by the rural areas of Britain and the colors traditionally used in the Amry's Defenders.

To strengthen its unique design, Paul worked with Land Rover to ensure that the interior remained true to his vision. "This is a unique version. Wanted this Defender to convey a sense of luxury and, therefore, used a combination of leather and fabric for the seats. In fact, I used the fabric I designed for Maharam, an American textile company for interiors. The special Paul Smith touch is present in various aspects of the vehicle."

Inside, the black leather contrasts with the blue seams, while there are many other hidden details. For example, the image of a set of keys has been printed inside the glovebox. And then we have a bee painted by hand on the roof, another fun allusion to life on the countryside and vehicle heritage. Moreover, the traditional Defender clock was replaced by a Paul Smith panel.

Gerry McGovern, Design Director and Chief Creative Officer of Land Rover, adds: "I felt that the collaboration between one of the leading designers of Great Britain and Team Land Rover would be a form of recognition of their creative vision and a fitting tribute to the iconic Defender".

In addition to the special Defender by Paul SmithLand Rover Defender by Pa...United Kingdom, 2015 > 2015, Land Rover announced three limited edition of the 2015 Defender: Autobiography, Heritage and Adventure. Each special vehicle celebrates a trace of the Defender's versatile character and reflects its robustness and multiple capabilities.