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!

  • MRF 95 T-Bird Whenever I travel and I’m in my rental car I first peruse the FM radio to look for interesting programming. It used to be before the past few decades of media consolidation that if you traveled to an area the local radio stations had a distinct sound and flavor. Now it’s the homogenized stuff from the corporate behemoths. Classic rock, modern “bro dude” country, pop hits of today, oldies etc. Much of it tolerable but pedestrian. The college radio stations and NPR affiliates are comfortable standbys. But what struck me recently is how much more religious programming there was on the FM stations, stuff that used to be relegated to the AM band. You have the fire and brimstone preachers, obviously with a far right political bend. Others geared towards the Latin community. Then there is the happy talk “family radio” “Jesus loves you” as well as the ones featuring the insipid contemporary Christian music. Artists such as Michael W. Smith who is one of the most influential artists in the genre. I find myself yelling at the dashboard “Where’s the freakin Staple singers? The Edwin Hawkins singers? Gospel Aretha? Gospel Elvis? Early Sam Cooke? Jesus era Dylan?” When I’m in my own vehicle I stick with the local college radio station that plays a diverse mix of music from Americana to rock and folk. I’ll also listen to Sirius/XM: Deep tracks, Little Steven’s underground as well as Willie’s Roadhouse and Outlaw country.
  • The Comedian I owned an assembled-in-Brazil ‘03 Golf GTI from new until ‘09 (traded in on a C30 R-Design).First few years were relatively trouble free, but the last few years are what drove me to buy a scan tool (back when they were expensive) and carry tools and spare parts at all times.Constant electrical problems (sensors & coil packs), ugly shedding “soft” plastic trim, glovebox door fell off, fuel filters oddly lasted only about a year at a time, one-then-the-other window detached from the lift mechanism and crashed inside the door, and the final reason I traded it was the transmission went south.20 years on? This thing should only be owned by someone with good shoes, lots of tools, a lift and a masochistic streak.
  • Terry I like the bigger size and hefty weight of the CX90 and I almost never use even the backseat. The average family is less than 4 people.The vehicle crash safety couldn't be better. The only complaints are the clumsy clutch transmission and the turbocharger.
  • MaintenanceCosts Plug in iPhone with 200 GB of music, choose the desired genre playlist, and hit shuffle.
  • MaintenanceCosts Golf with a good body and a dying engine. Somewhere out there there is a dubber who desperately wants to swap a junkyard VR6 into this and STANCE BRO it.
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