I own 200 Land Rover Defenders & keep them all in ‘secret bunker’ – now I’m being offered huge sum to sell just one
A MAN who bought 200 Land Rover Defenders just before the famous motor was discontinued is now being offered eye-watering sums to sell them.
British businessman Charles Fawcett, owner and founder of Twisted – a company specialising in bespoke modified Defenders – has the fleet of valuable 4x4s tucked away inside a secret bunker.
Fawcett made the financial gamble back in 2015 when he saw an opportunity to pick up the ‘last of the line’ range of Defenders.
As reported by Supercar Blondie, Fawcett said: “They were all registered in 2016 – after production ceased – identifying them among the last off the line and, arguably, more collectible.”
Since then, they’ve been stored away in his bunker at an undisclosed location – all the while their value has skyrocketed.
Now, some 10 years later, it seems wealthy customers are willing to spend up to £220,000 on a custom-made example.
Fawcett’s company has worked through the initial Land Rover stash and now has 16 more to offer potential buyers.
All of them are also based on the original XS spec, the highest Land Rover Defender spec at the time.
Fawcett said: “These sixteen 110s were hand-picked for their chassis numbers and build dates.
“They’re special, and when twisted, each one is the only one. Hence the limited run is called One of One.”
Interestingly, the scarcity of the Defender since Land Rover ceased its production in January 2016 led to the creation of the Ineos car brand by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who also owns Manchester United.
The first and, so far, only vehicle in Ineos’ range is the Grenadier, which is widely regarded as a tribute to the Defender.
Ratcliffe initially approached Jaguar Land Rover about the possibility of buying the tooling to continue production of the original model, but they declined.
As a result, he took matters into his own hands, creating his own version and naming it after the Grenadier pub in Belgravia, central London, where he conceived the idea of building the vehicle.
Recently, we revealed how the versatile motor is being used by a couple to live in it, saving them £60,000 in rent in the process.
Nick Chazee and Mathilde Vougny ditched their nine-to-five jobs to clock up 68,350 miles travelling across the globe in their rugged Land Rover Defender 110.
They chose the car for its durability and versatility, opting for a model with a “pop-top” roof that allows them to stand inside, making it more spacious and comfortable.
But it doesn’t have a proper bed and the couple have to wash in their sink.
Nick told The Sun: “It’s sturdy and reliable, and the Land Rover community is global.
“Wherever we go, there’s always someone with a Defender who’s ready to lend a hand if we need help.”
The pair have made the most out of the car, kitting it out with storage for food, cooking gear and camping equipment.