Behind The HYPE: How the Land Rover Defender Became King of Customizable SUVs

This all-terrain icon has been a favorite amongst adventure seekers and luxury car connoisseurs.

Automotive
11,561 Hypes 1 Comments

The latest Behind the HYPE episode explores the history and lasting appeal of the Land Rover Defender, from its early manufacturing start in the late 1940s after World War 2 all the way through the model’s luxury status symbol today.

The Land Rover Defender is no doubt one of the most sought-after all-terrain vehicles amongst thrill ride seekers and luxury car fans alike. Big celebrity names such as Justin Bieber and Idris Elba are renowned for getting snapped by paparazzi driving their Defenders. It’s no secret that this SUV icon has serious car culture clout, too. For one, big fashion brands like Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton have utilized the ride in some of their stylized fashion shoots and ad campaigns. Appearances alongside these house-hold clothing brands have solidified the Land Rover as an aspirational car status symbol. In streetwear, Los Angeles imprint UNDEFEATED and Galpin motors created not one but two custom Defenders — a blue 110 series inspired by camping and a green surf-focused 90 P400. Elsewhere, toy brands like Lego and Hot Wheels have released their own renditions. The latter created designs mirroring the SUVs that appeared in the famous Fast and Furious film.

The Defender’s rugged city-to-country vibe is what makes it a lasting classic. The car has deep roots in outdoor, all-terrain driving which is at the core of its brand identity. More importantly, the British Army, Navy and Air Force have produced military versions of the model but has now since been retired for service. Consequently, as seen from heavy military and outdoor use, the Defender has been constantly customized by its most creative cult followers. While some prefer the ride’s stripped-down analog look of 90s models, others celebrate the Defender by engineering their own functional to futuristic renditions. Even vintage editions are snapped up at high prices because of their minimal styles, allowing for easier modifications.

In retrospect, today’s newer models start at a base price of $51,700 USD and can run up to $112,200 USD for the V8 Carpathian. Modified versions can even go higher in the six-figure range — UK-based custom workshop Arkonik released a few priced at approximately $240,000 USD which were designed by Bugatti alum Etienne Salomé.

Ultimately, The Land Rover Defender has seen a heavy evolution from its utilitarian British roots to a now global luxury lifestyle vehicle. Its design as a performance SUV is still unmatched and many changes under the hood and in looks have garnered it a wider cult-following. Many see the Land Rover Defender as the highest standard in all-terrain driving, while others will continue to hype over its appeal for customizations and timeless vintage style.

Watch our Behind The HYPE: Land Rover episode above and in case you missed it, see how the Rolls-Royce Phantom became today’s ultimate luxury car.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

LEGO Goes Off-Road With New 2,336-Piece Land Rover Defender Set
Toys

LEGO Goes Off-Road With New 2,336-Piece Land Rover Defender Set

The company’s newest brick-based car rolls out on July 1.

Behind the Hype: How Tudor Watches Transformed to Become a Global Luxury Staple
Watches

Behind the Hype: How Tudor Watches Transformed to Become a Global Luxury Staple

Presented by Tudor Watches
Hypebeast’s latest Behind the Hype installment reveals the transformation of Tudor watches, displaying how the Swiss brand became a renowned purveyor of luxury timepieces.

Behind the HYPE: How USM's Haller System Made an Icon Out of Storage Solutions
Design

Behind the HYPE: How USM's Haller System Made an Icon Out of Storage Solutions

A deep dive into the modular design beloved By Supreme, Daniel Arsham, and Nigo.


Behind the HYPE: Why This Watch Sold For $1.6 Million Dollars
Watches

Behind the HYPE: Why This Watch Sold For $1.6 Million Dollars

A deep dive into the history of the highly-coveted Cartier Crash and the recent story of a 1967 model’s record-breaking auction.

Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy Unleashes His Powers in ‘The Boys’ Season 3 Trailer
Entertainment

Jensen Ackles’ Soldier Boy Unleashes His Powers in ‘The Boys’ Season 3 Trailer

The show’s first three episodes hit Amazon on June 3.

ASRV Introduces World's First Activewear with NASA Technology
Fashion 

ASRV Introduces World's First Activewear with NASA Technology

Presented by ASRV
The brand’s latest capsule brings thermo-technology from space suits to athletes.

Theory Gives UNIQLO a Minimalist Makeover for SS22
Fashion

Theory Gives UNIQLO a Minimalist Makeover for SS22

Featuring relaxed, yet versatile silhouettes.

Official Images of the Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 Mid "Black"
Footwear

Official Images of the Stüssy x Nike Air Force 1 Mid "Black"

The stealthy pair comes fashioned with various Stüssy logos and snakeskin Swooshes.

Drake, The Weeknd and More Win at 2022 Billboard Music Awards
Music

Drake, The Weeknd and More Win at 2022 Billboard Music Awards

The ceremony featured performances from Jack Harlow and Silk Sonic.


DTLR and New Balance Reconvene for a 990v3 "Miami Drive" Collaboration
Footwear

DTLR and New Balance Reconvene for a 990v3 "Miami Drive" Collaboration

Teal, pink and orange accents encapsulate the essence of South Beach.

Steven Harrington’s Technicolor World Bleeds Off the Canvas
Tech 

Steven Harrington’s Technicolor World Bleeds Off the Canvas

Presented by ASUS
The Southern Californian native discusses the bounds of creation with the new ASUS Vivobook.

Slam Jam and Fila Reveal First-Ever Collaboration
Fashion

Slam Jam and Fila Reveal First-Ever Collaboration

The Redefined capsule consists of reimagined sports staples from Fila’s archives.

Roy DeCarava x Supreme Spring 2022 Collaboration
Fashion

Roy DeCarava x Supreme Spring 2022 Collaboration

Seminal works including a photo of Malcolm X appear across T-shirts and hoodies in DeCarava’s inimitable style.

FreelingWaters Channels 1970's Psychedelia for Hand-Painted Cabinet Collection
Design

FreelingWaters Channels 1970's Psychedelia for Hand-Painted Cabinet Collection

The Dries Van Noten collaborators return with their latest patterned pieces.

More ▾
 
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Gain access to exclusive interviews with industry creatives, think pieces, trend forecasts, guides and more.

By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Looks like you’re using an ad-blocker

We charge advertisers instead of our readers. Support us by whitelisting our site.

Whitelist Us

How to Whitelist Us

screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Under “Pause on this site” click “Always”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock Plus icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Block ads on – This website” switch off the toggle to turn it from blue to gray.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlocker Ultimate icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Switch off the toggle to turn it from “Enabled on this site” to “Disabled on this site”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the Ghostery icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the “Ad-Blocking” button at the bottom. It will turn gray and the text above will go from “ON” to “OFF”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the UBlock Origin icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the large blue power icon at the top.
  3. When it turns gray, click the refresh icon that has appeared next to it or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the icon of the ad-blocker extension installed on your browser.You’ll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You may have more than one ad-blocker installed.
  2. Follow the instructions for disabling the ad blocker on the site you’re viewing.You may have to select a menu option or click a button.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.