New car news

26 November 2007 - 10:00

Sterling silver

The phrases 'Land Rover Defender' and 'stylish, feature-packed version' may sit together as comfortably as 'Steve McLaren' and 'tactical innovator', but that hasn't stopped LR from unveiling this special-edition, short-wheelbase Defender to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

It's called the Defender SVX, and it will be strictly limited to just 200 examples - 140 soft-tops and 60 station wagons. Which, given the ructions that a chromed-up Defender is likely to cause among the traditional Landie crowd, may not be a bad thing.

Want some ammo to irritate the welly brigade with? Tell them about the SVX's silver finish on the front grille, aluminium undershield, clear light surrounds and diamond turned five-spoke alloys.

Watch them wince as they discover the iPod cradle, satnav, alloy gearknob and - most comically - the Recaro seats. Yes, Recaros. On a Defender.

With the first SVX deliveries not expected until spring of next year, you'll have to wait a little while for your chance to wind up the rural set. In the meantime, you could always paint their sheep's tongues blue. Always guaranteed a laugh, that one.