A Luxurious Farewell to a British Icon at the 2018 London Motor Show
In a fitting tribute to one of Britain’s most enduring automotive legends, the Chelsea Truck Company has unveiled the third and final Defender 90 London Motor Show Edition, a meticulously reimagined version of the classic Defender, infused with British craftsmanship, modern luxury, and bold design innovation.
Crafted in partnership with acclaimed designer Afzal Kahn, this special edition marks the close of an era, honouring the legacy of the Land Rover Defender, whose production concluded in 2016 after 68 years and over two million units produced. This final edition is not just a vehicle; it is a collector’s statement piece, steeped in heritage and elevated with cutting-edge customisationa.
The London Motor Show Edition Defender 90 makes a dramatic entrance in Lava Orange Gloss, a vibrant finish that underscores its exclusivity. Its commanding presence is accentuated by wide-track front and rear wings with integrated vents, precision bolt detailing, and a black stainless steel front bumper with an aluminium sump guard.
Signature TRON-style ring lighting and vintage-inspired Legacy LED headlights provide a futuristic edge, while the custom X-Lander grille, colour-matched to the bodywork, reinforces the vehicle’s distinctive identity. Other refined exterior touches include functional mesh hood vents, rubberised mud flaps, and a branded spare wheel cover, all showcasing British design sensibility and off-road prowess.
The Defender 90 sits proudly on 20-inch Mondial Retro RS-Forged alloy wheels, finished in Satin Black with a deep concave design and Lava Orange colour-coded accents. Paired with 275/55/20 all-terrain tyres, the setup strikes a perfect balance between urban sophistication and rugged capability.
Powered by Land Rover’s original 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, this final edition features a plug-and-play power upgrade boosting output to 170 bhp. The classic four-wheel-drive system remains intact, maintaining the Defender’s renowned off-road abilities while adding modern performance enhancements for everyday driving.
Step inside, and the transformation continues. Behind tinted privacy glass lies a handcrafted cabin defined by quilted and perforated leather upholstery, applied to heated GTB sports seats in a bespoke black and orange stitch pattern. The rear seats mirror this finish, ensuring a seamless sense of luxury throughout the cabin.
Every detail reflects the Chelsea Truck Company’s dedication to artisanal quality and contemporary British design, from the stitching to the textures. This is craftsmanship that speaks volumes.
With only three units ever produced, the London Motor Show Edition Defender 90 is already commanding attention as a rare collector’s item. Independent automotive valuers at CAP estimate it holds 40% more value than a standard Defender, affirming its status as both a design triumph and a shrewd investment.
As the curtain falls on one of Britain’s most storied vehicles, the Chelsea Truck Company’s final Defender 90 stands as a proud and luxurious salute to innovation, individuality, and enduring legacy.
This is more than a farewell; it’s the future of British automotive couture.