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!

  • RHD The analyses above are on the nose.It's a hell of a good car, but the mileage is reaching the point where things that should have worn out a long time ago, and didn't, will, such as the alternator, starter, exhaust system, PS pump, and so on. The interiors tend to be the first thing to show wear, other than the tires, of course. The price is too high for a car that probably has less than a hundred thousand miles left in it without major repairs. A complete inspection is warranted, of course, and then a lower offer based on what it needs. Ten grand for any 18-year-old car is a pretty good chunk of change. It would be a very enjoyable, ride, though.
  • Fred I would get the Acura RDX, to replace my Honda HR-V. Both it and the CRV seats are uncomfortable on longer trips.
  • RHD Now that the negative Nellies have chimed in...A reasonably priced electric car would be a huge hit. There has to be an easy way to plug it in at home, in addition to the obvious relatively trickle charge via an extension cord. Price it under 30K, preferably under 25K, with a 200 mile range and you have a hit on your hands. This would be perfect for a teenager going to high school or a medium-range commuter. Imagine something like a Kia Soul, Ford Ranger, Honda CR-V, Chevy Malibu or even a Civic that costs a small fraction to fuel up compared to gasoline. Imagine not having to pay your wife's Chevron card bill every month (then try to get her off of Starbuck's and mani-pedi habits). One car is not the solution to every case imaginable. But would it be a market success? Abso-friggin-lutely. And TTAC missed today's announcement of the new Mini Aceman, which, unfortunately, will be sold only in China. It's an EV, so it's relevant to this particular article/question.
  • Ajla It would. Although if future EVs prove relatively indifferent to prior owner habits that makes me more likely to go used.
  • 28-Cars-Later One of the biggest reasons not to purchase an EV that I hear is...that they just all around suck for almost every use case imaginable.
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