Culture | May. 2023
MATERIAL PURSUITS
By Contributor
OFF WITH THE TOPS
Bespoke editions of classically elegant cars such as the Land Rover and Range Rover have become de rigueur in the auto world and at the top of that list is the Valiance Convertible—a limited edition motorcar based on the Land Rover Defender 90 body style. In addition to its carefully curated color schemes and unique exterior details, this built-to-order number by Heritage Customs has another coveted feature Land Rover hasn’t offered since 2018—all tops are off. Now made exclusively as an open-top vehicle, the Valiance offers a range of soft top color combinations and upgrades. Priced in Euros with a conversion that tops off around $100K, this is a collector’s dream.
CONNECT THE BRICKS
When it comes to our love affair with Land Rover, we can’t let the adults have all the fun. For all the children (or grandchildren) of Lake Rover enthusiasts, LEGO® has released its Icons Land Rover Classic Defender 90—an immersive building experience. The design is a faithful interpretation of the original 1983 model, complete with functioning steering, working suspension, and accurate interior details. With two ways to customize, you can build your choice of a streamlined Land Rover Estate or add accessories and gear for an epic off-road adventure. It comes with a Land Rover badge and a classic LEGO® mini-figure to take it to the road on a miniature scale. Prices vary. Visit lego.com.
BORN IN THE UK
Land Rover Classic’s new heritage offering pays homage to the brand’s Hebridean roots. The Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition takes inspiration from the 1965 Land Rover Series driven by one of the founders of Land Rover, Spencer Wilks, on the Hebridean Isle of Islay. Informed by the Mid Grey exterior of the 1965 original, the Islay Edition is finished in Heritage Grey with contrast roof and heavy-duty steel wheels in Limestone. A bespoke side graphic reads “GXC 639C” to complement the iconic grille and heritage Land Rover badging, with seats and accents upholstered in tactile tweed—crafted by the Islay Woolen Mill. Round removable trays are made from the oak barrels of the Kilchoman Distillery, and each Islay Edition comes with a bottle of “639” whiskey made exclusively for the vehicle. Expect to pay at least $250,000 for this very limited-edition model.
