There are few vehicles that embody such rugged charm and British heritage quite like the Defender...
Widely renowned for its fast action and use of exotic locations, the James Bond film franchise is also known for its display of amazing cars. Whilst 007 is often seen behind the wheel of a luxury sports car such as the Aston Martin DB5, the Defender has also definitely carved out its own place in Bond’s world, especially when driven by the bad guys. In the last decade or so, this rugged British vehicle has featured in several of the Bond films, showing off its unparalleled durability and versatility, particularly during high-speed car chases!
Let’s have a look at the role this iconic vehicle has played on the big screen…
A Bond love affair
The Defender made its James Bond debut in The Living Daylights (1987), where a military-spec Defender 90 appeared in a convoy scene. While it wasn’t at the forefront of the action, this early appearance seems to have laid the groundwork for the Defender’s relationship with the franchise.
Indeed, it was in the Daniel Craig era that the Defender truly took centre stage, and the vehicle’s robust design and off-road abilities made it perfect for the intense stunts that lie deep at the core of the Bond films.
Here’s some of the recent Bond films where the Defender makes an impression…
Skyfall (2012)
The Defender gained some significant screen time in Skyfall. The opening sequence features a dramatic chase through Istanbul, with Moneypenny behind the wheel of a grey metallic Defender 110 Double Cab Pickup. Losing both wing mirrors within seconds, and having 007 as a passenger, the Defender shoots through crowded streets and across rooftops. The production team reinforced the vehicle’s suspension to handle the demands of the stunts, which was probably a good idea…
Over ten Defenders were used in this sequence, with some specially rigged for the high-speed chases and others designed to withstand flips and crashes. One of the used Defenders was actually displayed in the window of Harrods in 2012 as a promotional feature. You can see it being delivered below...
Spectre (2015)
In this film, the Defender 110 SVX played a notable role during the thrilling snowbound chase in Austria. This rugged vehicle, heavily modified for the film, was used by Hinx’s men as they stormed alongside Bond in his low-flying plane through some very snowy terrain. The Defenders made for this film were fitted with massive 37-inch off-road tyres, reinforced underbody protection, and heavy-duty suspensions to handle the extreme conditions of the sequence. Painted a matte black, these vehicles exuded a moody aesthetic which perfectly suited the villains! Here's a little behind-the-scenes clip of the Defender in action...
No Time to Die (2021)
The Defender returned with a vengeance in No Time to Die, Daniel Craig’s final outing as Bond. This time, the latest generation Defender 110 featured prominently in an adrenaline-fuelled, off-road chase through the Scottish Highlands. The Defenders, used by Safin’s henchmen, showcased their agility as they hurtled over rugged terrain, splashed through rivers and performed some pretty dramatic downhill jumps.
For the film, the production team used specially modified Defenders equipped with custom suspensions to handle the extreme stunts. Jaguar Land Rover even provided pre-production models of the new Defender 110, marking one of its first major appearances before the model was officially launched. You can see how hard working it was in the clip below. All in a day's work...
A lasting Bond connection
The Defender’s appearance in many of the Bond films is likely no coincidence. As a quintessentially British brand, Land Rover’s vehicles align perfectly with the Bond ethos - they are dependable, resourceful and most certainly capable of handling extreme situations. Offering a rugged counterpoint to Bond’s sleeker vehicles, the Defender’s ability to handle extreme terrains and punishing stunts makes it a star in its own right. Whether tearing through city streets or piling down the side of a mountain, the Defender exemplifies British engineering at its best – a most fitting companion for 007.
As the Bond franchise evolves, hopefully the Defender will continue to be a presence, ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead, and hopefully driven by the man himself!
