1992 Land Rover Defender "Spectre" Movie Replica Created

Jason R. Sakurai
by Jason R. Sakurai

A replica of the 1992 Land Rover Defender from the 2015 James Bond movie “Spectre,” has been created by Wilmington, North Carolina’s Osprey Custom Cars, specialists in restomodding classic Land Rover Defenders, Ford Broncos, and Toyota FJs. One of Osprey’s latest, the truck’s outward appearance is identical to that of the movie vehicle, but the similarities begin and end there.

During the 2015 Frankfurt motor show, Jaguar Land Rover revealed three stunt vehicles that were featured in the film, including a special Land Rover Defender that made its debut in Frankfurt. The 24th film in the Bond series, it had as a centerpiece a black Land Rover Defender that was modified with 37-inch diameter off-road tires and body armor to handle the rough terrain of the snow-covered mountains on location.

While the Bond films are known for showcasing Aston Martin vehicles, Jaguar vehicles have also been featured. In 2012’s “Skyfall,” a Land Rover Defender 110 Double Cab pickup and a Jaguar XJ were highlighted.

A drivetrain identical to the movie vehicle wasn’t an option, so Osprey installed a GM 6.2-liter LS3 with 435 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, plus a 6L80E automatic transmission, and a heavy-duty transfer case. Upgraded TDCI axles, brakes and rotors, springs, and shocks were added to the truck, as well as a new track rod, drag link, and an aluminum skid plate.

Exterior upgrades include the Santorini Black paint job, a full 110 external roll cage, 17-inch aluminum wheels, off-road tires, and a full LED light package from front to rear.

The interior was completely revamped with new air conditioning, LED lights, leather upholstery, Recaro heated seats in front, Alcantara headliner, power windows, multiple charging points, and keyless entry. A double DIN stereo with DVD, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, Apple Car Play, and ten speakers round out the audio system.

To paraphrase James Bond, we thought Christmas only came once a year.

[Images: Osprey, Jaguar Land Rover]

Jason R. Sakurai
Jason R. Sakurai

With a father who owned a dealership, I literally grew up in the business. After college, I worked for GM, Nissan and Mazda, writing articles for automotive enthusiast magazines as a side gig. I discovered you could make a living selling ad space at Four Wheeler magazine, before I moved on to selling TV for the National Hot Rod Association. After that, I started Roadhouse, a marketing, advertising and PR firm dedicated to the automotive, outdoor/apparel, and entertainment industries. Through the years, I continued writing, shooting, and editing. It keep things interesting.

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  • SCE to AUX SCE to AUX on Dec 11, 2020

    "To paraphrase James Bond, we thought Christmas only came once a year." You are today's winner!

    • FreedMike FreedMike on Dec 11, 2020

      Saw that one in theaters with my (then) mother-in-law, and when Denise Richards' character was introduced as "Christmas Jones," she leaned over to me and said, "I bet you there will be a 'Christmas only comes once a year' joke." Sure enough, it was the last line of the movie. That Bond movie gets a bad rap - aside from the fact that Richards absolutely cannot act, it was pretty darn good, if you ask me. Plus, how often do you get to see a Z8 sawed in half?

  • Lorenzo Lorenzo on Dec 13, 2020

    It looks like George Barris died too soon. Imagine production versions of his TV and movie creations!

  • Tim You can't buy Fisker for $27 million. All that buys is the shares, which are basically worthless at this point. To buy the company you have to ante up the $1.3 billion owed to its creditors, otherwise they'll just take it away from you in a few weeks.For all we know the house may also be leveraged to the hilt. That seems to be how this guy rolls.Still, if I had to choose, I'd choose the house. I hate EVs.
  • Wjtinfwb Coveted one of these back in '76-'77. I was a new driver, Dad had traded Mom's Cougar XR-7 convertible for a new Volare' wagon, the worst possible car for a 16 year old. I was saving money, sold a motorcycles and was about $1500 short of the list price of the new, Black on Black '77 Celica GT Liftback on the showroom floor at Zinn Toyota. Dad, had a friend who owned Reinhart VW in Miami. OK, a '77 Scirocco would be an acceptable alternative. But the Scirocco was similarly out of reach. Instead, they made us a (admittedly good) deal on a '77 Rabbit 2dr., $3400 with A/C, mandatory in S. Florida. I was excited about driving anything other than the Volare and jumped on the Rabbit deal. Of course the Rabbit, while a fun car to drive when running, was an unreliable POS and my dad's buddy the dealer was zero help. Still pine for the Toyota and if I had the excess cash available would jump on this one as nice examples are getting hard to find.
  • InCogKneeToe Wow, memories. My Parents have a Cabin on a Lake, I have a Plow Truck and Friends, access to Lumps (old tired autos). What happens? Ice Racing!. The only rules were 4 cylinder, RWD only. Many Chevettes were destroyed, My Minty 1975 Acadian Hatch Auto with 62,000kms, did also. Rad, Rad Housing etc. My answer, a 1974 Corolla Hatch 4 speed, the rest of the Vettes took offence and Trashed the Yota. It was so much quicker. So rebuttal, a 1975 Celica GT Notch, 2.2L 20R, 5 Speed. Needed a New Pressure ate but once that was in, I could Lap the Vettes, and they couldn't catch me to Tag me.
  • 28-Cars-Later I'm not sure when it was shot, but I noticed most shots featuring a Ford are pushing the BEV models which haven't sold well and financially kicked the wind out of them. Is it possible they still don't get it in Dearborn, despite statements made about hybrids etc.?
  • ToolGuy I watched the video. Not sure those are real people.
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