Final Land Rover Defender 90 Heritage From Solihull Goes to Auction

Collecting Cars lists a 2016 Land Rover Defender 90 Heritage, confirmed as the final Heritage model and fourth-to-last Defender built. Discover the details.

A highly significant late Land Rover Defender has appeared on Collecting Cars: a 2016 Defender 90 Heritage confirmed as the final Heritage Edition to leave the Solihull factory and the fourth-to-last Defender ever produced. For marque enthusiasts, it represents more than a rare specification — it marks the closing chapter of the classic Defender’s production history.

The vehicle was built on 29 January 2016, the final day of Defender L316 production. The Heritage Edition was conceived as a visual tribute to the earliest Series I models, finished in Grasmere Green with an Alaska White roof, heritage detailing, and references to the historic HUE 166 registration. Among collectors, this version is widely regarded as the most authentic farewell to the original Defender concept.

Mechanically, the car retains the traditional late-Defender layout: a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel producing around 122bhp, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive. The odometer shows just 4,597 miles, and the Defender has had one private owner from new. It has been stored in a professional dehumidified facility, driven only in dry conditions, and has passed every MOT test without advisories.

Its specification adds another layer of interest. During assembly, a number of additional factory components were fitted, including factory air-conditioning — an uncommon feature on a Defender 90 Heritage. While no independent public source confirms it as the only UK example with this option, its rarity remains notable. The car is accompanied by an extensive archive, including the original build sheet, documentation covering the final 20 Defenders, production-line imagery, and period magazine features.

Market interest is already evident. Bidding has climbed beyond £60,000, exceeding the model’s inflation-adjusted list price. This aligns with broader demand for final-production Defenders, particularly limited editions with low mileage and documented provenance. In this case, the appeal lies not only in condition, but in its formally recorded place in Land Rover history — a factor that continues to underpin collector confidence in the long-term significance of such cars.