As much as customizing your 4×4 is fun and exciting, it is also a Land Rover investment. Restoring your classic Defender means investing in it so you can keep it going for as long as humanly (or rather, mechanically) possible. But it could also mean making it more desirable if you eventually consider selling it.
We explore all the reasons why customizing your Defender means investing in your freedom and how you can make the right Land Rover investment.
Stepping into the Land Rover Investment World
Without a doubt, the Defender continues to attract a thriving aftermarket. Specialist companies produce customized vehicles with prices that have skyrocketed since its inception back in 1948. And as an owner of such a spectacular beast, you could be looking at a potential profit running into thousands if you do intend to part with it.
There are not many (in fact, very few!) cars out there that produce more than the original price upon reselling. However, as Land Rover enthusiasts and buying experts, we know the iconic 4×4 nurtures a special kind of (lifelong) fan. And when you have an original, restored Defender under your name, you shouldn’t be surprised when these fans come running to start a bidding war.
These rugged workhorses exist within their own economy, climbing in value every single year. And whether you’ve signed up for it or not, owning a car like a Defender makes you part of a subculture — a community of people who love these machines and the mechanics who build them.
What Makes the Defender a ‘Collectable’?
A collectable car usually has historical significance, pioneered new technology or raised both eyebrows and consumer expectations. The Land Rover Defender is a unique kind of beautiful, not the generic sports car kind, but the type that built up respect over the years thanks to its power and versatility – all done effortlessly.
The Defender is an off-roadster, a military truck, a luxury SUV and the Queen of England’s preferable transportation mode. Show us a vehicle with this much range and has never needed to undergo any dramatic changes to its rugged appearance. We’ll wait.
Currently, the car market mirrors the art market. People have always loved investing in things they can enjoy aesthetically, and this has reached new heights when it comes to customized Land Rovers.
3 Customization Options That Increase Your 4×4’s Value: Helping You Make the Right Land Rover Investment
Customizing your Defender enhances its looks and off-road capabilities. But what about its resale value?
Here are our top three customization options that will make your 4×4 more desirable and easier to sell if you ever intend to part with your beautiful beast.
1. Window Tinting
Tinted windows not only look great, but they are also hyper-functional. They can reduce the temperature in your Land Rover by up to 30 degrees, making that long summer trip a lot more comfortable.
Most Land Rover enthusiasts love a good window tint. Having this custom feature will allow you to sell for a few hundred more than what you usually could without them.
2. Leather Seats
Poor-quality leather seating will lower the overall value of your car. If you want to be appealing to buyers looking for a luxury Land Rover, having low-quality seating is not an option. Leather seats tearing at the seams will not even win over most budget buyers.
And besides, leather seats are durable, stylish and comfortable. You will want them in your Defender’s interior either way.
3. An Infotainment System
Humans can seemingly no longer survive without the conveniences of technology. And having a built-in infotainment system will appeal to any buyer that owns a mobile phone. And that’s pretty much everyone!
These days, a basic infotainment system provides Bluetooth capability, WiFi and voice-activated technology (Hello, Siri). If your Defender has this custom feature, you should be able to sell it in a flash and for far more than without this nifty tech system.
Invest in Your Adventures and Your Freedom
At Classic Overland, we see every customization as a step towards the future. And we help our clients make the right Land Rover investment so they can enjoy their off-road journeys and sustain their Defenders long enough for the next adventurer to enjoy.
All in all, restoration is an investment we highly recommend for every Defender owner, whether it’s for you to continue adventuring for as long as possible or wanting to pass on an incredible off-road companion to the next enthusiast.
Contact Classic Overland today, and we’ll help you decide how you can invest in your off-road vehicle.