Rowan Atkinson’s limited edition Land Rover heads to auction with an £80k guide price – but a Bond Edition Defender is set to go for even more

Collectors will soon have a the once in a lifetime opportunity to bid on two of ultra-rare Land Rover Defenders being sold at the same car auction. 

One of the last ‘classic’ Defenders ever made – the 110 Heritage Edition – that is currently owned by Rowan Atkinson will go under the hammer next month.

It is one of just 400 ever produced at the end of the iconic car’s lifecycle almost a decade ago and is estimated to go for up to £80,000.

But that’s not all. The same Iconic Auctioneers event will also include a No Time To Die Bond Edition 2021 Defender, which is predicted to sell for double the price of the Mr Bean actor’s Land Rover.

Rowan Atkinson asked Iconic Auctioneers to find him this 110 Defender back in 2017 to add to his private collection

Land Rover know how to mark a milestone with a limited-edition release.

So, when the British brand called time on one of the world’s most iconic off-roaders – the Defender Series – after 67 years it was only natural to commemorate the occasion with a limited series.

Between 2015 and 2016 Land Rover built 400 Heritage Edition cars – the final Defender Celebration Series. It was a touching homage to the original 1947 Series I, HUE 166 or the ‘Huey’.

Then in 2021, Land Rover cemented its 007 status by making 300 limited 110 V8 Bond Defenders, only 10 of which were supplied to UK fans.

Having one of the last 400 Defenders ever made is something in itself, but having one loved and owned by the comic-acting genius and Land Rover enthusiast Rowan Atkinson, is the stuff of British history books.

And if you’re a die-hard ‘Licence To Kill’ fan who appreciates Land Rover’s new Defender era, then getting your hands on film franchise Special Edition is equally a dream buy.

Both cars are up for sale February 24 to 26 at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. 

Atkinson’s Heritage 110 has a guide price of £65,000 to £80,000 to match its celebrity provenance, while the James Bond 110 is expected to reach a Fleming-frenzied £155,000 to £175,000.

Kept in immaculate condition, this car only has only driven 3,800 miles and has been improved with £4,278 worth of extras added by Atkinson

Complete with Land Rover badges and traditional details like the silver door hinges and 

Atkinson was only the second owner of this Heritage Edition Defender. 

It’s a pristine example with only 3,800 miles on the clock. Iconic Auctioneers were tasked with finding this five-door 110 specially for Atkinson back in 2017 to add to his personal collection.

Like all Heritage Editions, the rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual, 2.2-litre diesel car is finished in Grasmere Green with an Alaskan White Roof, Heritage-style grill, headlamp surrounds, and heavy-duty steel wheels – all tributes to the original ’47 Huey.

Each vehicle came with a matching green hardback Land Rover book and this one’s in perfect condition.

Other homages to the classic Series I are the silver front bumper with black end caps, the heritage badges on the front grille and rear door, clear indicator lenses, Indus Silver door hinges and body colour wheel arches and hubs.

Both front wings have ‘HUE 166’ graphic tributes.

Mixed in with these traditionalist details are more modern comforts for the lovers of luxury: A perforated leather steering wheel and gear lever, Almond Resolve interior trim cloth seats stamped with the Heritage logo and a padded cubby box between the two front seats. 

The air vents, door handles and locks are all aluminium.

Atkinson added his own upgrades: a factory-specification tow bar and electrics as well as factory-spec air con and car alarm.

Modern comforts inside the ‘Huey’- inspired Heritage Edition interior make it a great car for the luxury driver

Included in the price is the one of a kind NO07 TTD private registration plate 

Finished in Santorini Black this blue V8 5.0-litre model is a head turner even without the Bond emblems

In typical spy style the owner selling their 2021 Defender 5.0-litre V8 Bond Edition 110 remains a figure of mystery, but they clearly have powers of persuasion to have bagged such a coveted car.

Created by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicles Department for the celebrated relationship between Land Rover and the James Bond franchise, the release of this 110 coincided with Daniel Craig’s final portrayal of the MI6 agent in No Time To Die.

It’s a true collector’s example.

With 006 V8 electric blue graphics on the doors, 60 Years of Bond emblems inside and 007 on the sills this car is quite the head turner. Especially with the unique NO07 TTD private registration.

The Santorini Black right hand drive model comes directly from its first owner with just 700 miles on the clock.

Created by JLR for No Time To Die, this Defender is the same as the one’s used in the chase scenes in the movie

With only 700 miles on the clock this Defender is in factory-new condition and the ultimate collector’s item

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk