Author: Joydip Sur

I'm a journalist with over a decade of experience and an all consuming passion for automobile and motorsports.

Renault Brings Back Its Iconic Duster

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Renault India has unveiled the new Renault Duster, marking the return of a nameplate that helped establish the mid-size SUV category in the country.

New Renault Duster marks the first product unveil under Renault Group’s International Game Plan in India, where the brand is prioritising targeted investment and product expansion as part of a broader global strategy.

“As part of the Renault International Game Plan 2027, we are making India a key pillar of our growth outside Europe. We now have a strong ecosystem in Chennai, bringing together design, engineering, manufacturing, and local operations at the highest level – making India one of the most complete and powerful hubs in Renault’s global network. Today, we have the means to fully support our ambitions in India, to better understand customer expectations, and to deliver products truly adapted to this market. The new Renault Duster is the first step in Renault’s renewal in India”, said Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer Renault Group & CEO Renault brand.

New Renault Duster is made for India, with close to 90% of the car made specifically for India. It underpins the new Renault Group Modular Platform (RGMP). The platform is ultra-flexible in terms of dimensions, powertrains suited to google automotive system.

New Renault Duster is powered by a full range of powertrain options to access every Indian road and making the “unreachable reachable”. It is powered by a Turbo TCe 160 engine which churns out 163 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque, while Turbo TCe 100 is meant for smart and accessible segment.

New Renault Duster also marks the debut of the strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 engine, powered by 1.8L engine along with a 1.4 kWh battery, making it the most efficient and powerful hybrid, allowing up to 80% EV mode in city drive conditions.

The Turbo TCe 160 and Turbo TCe 100 petrol engines come paired with the 6-speed DCT with wet clutch available with Turbo TCe 160, delivers lightning fast‑ gear shifts for maximum performance and is utmost suitable for Indian driving condition. On the other hand, the 6-speed manual offers precise mechanical control with direct gear engagement for maximum driver command. Both options are engineered to bring out the best in the Duster combining performance, confidence, and driving pleasure.

“With the new Renault Group Modular Platform, Renault brings an advanced hybrid technology and top-tier safety engineering. With Renault Forever program, we also offer our customers a significantly improved ownership experience. New Renault Duster is the start of a renewed product cycle and for an exciting trajectory for Renault in India. Renault is back”, said Stéphane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India.

“New Renault Duster marks the rebirth of an icon. It is more than just a bold, authentic SUV; it’s a powerful statement of our design philosophy, meticulously shaped through the seamless collaboration of our design teams in India and in France. Every confident line, every modern and sculpted detail has been crafted to embody the spirit and aspirations of India, while resonating with Duster’s unique DNA”, said Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group.

Customers can pre-book new Renault Duster by purchasing R Pass for INR 21,000. While the price of new Renault Duster will be announced mid-March, customer deliveries will begin in April 2026. The Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 deliveries to commence during Diwali 2026. New Renault Duster will be offered with seven years warranty for enhanced trust and peace of mind, thanks to Renault Forever programme.

Nissan Appoints Gagan Mangal As Head Of Communications For India

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Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL) has appointed Gagan Mangal as Head of Communications, effective January 12, 2026. Based in Gurugram, Mangal will lead communications for NMIPL, reporting to Katherine Zachary, Vice President – International Communications, and working closely with Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, NMIPL.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India said, “We are pleased to welcome Gagan to Nissan Motor India at a pivotal time in our journey. He brings deep automotive communications expertise and a strong understanding of the Indian media landscape. As we accelerate our brand resurgence and prepare for exciting product launches, Gagan’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our communications strategy and building a compelling Nissan narrative in India.”

Mangal joins Nissan from Volkswagen India, where he was heading Press and Marketing Communications. A management graduate, he brings over 18 years of extensive experience in corporate communications and marketing, having worked with leading automotive OEMs including Volkswagen and Hyundai.

Throughout his career, Mangal has played a key role in driving integrated communications strategies across product launches, large-scale events, brand strategy and campaigns. In his previous roles, he was responsible for shaping communications strategy, building strong media narratives, and managing relationships with national and regional media.

Gagan Mangal, Head of Communications, Nissan Motor India said, “I am truly excited to join Nissan Motor India at this pivotal moment in its growth and transformation journey. India remains a priority market for Nissan, with significant opportunities to strengthen brand relevance, trust, and customer connection. I look forward to collaborating closely with teams across India and globally to craft a clear, confident, and customer‑centric narrative one that reflects Nissan’s global ambitions while resonating authentically with audiences in India.”

In his new role, Mangal will play a pivotal role in Nissan’s brand resurgence journey in India, supporting upcoming product launches and strengthening the company’s communications and media engagement efforts.

“Gagan brings deep automotive communications expertise and a strong understanding of the Indian media landscape,” said Katherine Zachary, Vice President – International Communications. “We are confident his leadership will be instrumental as Nissan enters an exciting new phase in India.”

Continental’s New Off-Road Tyre, CrossContact A/T² Hits Indian Roads

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Continental Tires, a leading global tyre manufacturer, marked the Indian launch of its new all-terrain product, the CrossContact A/T², with an adventurous Continental Tires’ Track Day at Dot Goa 4X4. With this, the country becomes one of the first few markets globally to introduce this next-generation product, which blends German engineering precision with rugged versatility to ensure a smooth ride across challenging terrains.

The highly anticipated launch of the CrossContact A/T² reiterates Continental’s growing commitment to the Indian market.

“India’s 4×4 vehicle segment is experiencing sharp growth, driven by a growing passion for adventure and long-distance travel. With our ‘In the Market, For the Market’ approach, we continually innovate to meet the demands of Indian road conditions and deliver enhanced driving experiences. The CrossContact A/T² delivers high performance across the diverse terrains and topographies that India offers,” said Samir Gupta, Managing Director, Continental Tires India.

He further added, “India is the first market globally to introduce the CrossContact A/T². This decision is a testament to Continental’s commitment to the Indian market. We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to our Indian customers.”

CrossContact A/T²: Engineered for Performance. Designed for Adventure

Built for power, performance, and precision, the CrossContact A/T² is engineered for SUVs and 4x4s, offering superior grip across all surfaces: mud, gravel, sand, wet highways or rocky trails. Designed for modern, adventurous lifestyles, it brings a confident on-road feel and unshaken off-road capability. Key Technologies in CrossContact A/T²:

●       BlackPaw™ Compound: Adaptive traction tech that maintains elasticity and control across hot, cold, dry, and wet surfaces.

●       Self-Cleaning Shoulders: Open tread patterns and stone ejectors dislodge slush, mud, and debris to keep you moving clean and steady.

●       Rigid Tread Block Geometry: Reduces hydroplaning and enhances braking efficiency with precisely angled groove design.

●       Reinforced Sidewalls: Built tough to resist cuts, abrasions, and trail damage, ensuring long-term durability and control.

CCFC – EIMG Vintage Car Display 2025 – A Rendezvous with Heritage Motoring

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On Sunday, December 28, Calcutta Cricket and Football Club (CC&FC) set up a special date with heritage motoring. This winter Sunday morning was made even more charming with the presence of 35 fabulous heritage vehicles, owned by Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) members, that were showcased at the CCFC – EIMG Vintage Car Display 2025.

The CC&CC members and their guests were in for a visual treat as Kunal Banerjee’s 1926 Studebaker Erskine, followed by the 1927 Dodge Brothers, 1928 Ford Model A and the 1929 Essex – all three owned by Surendra Dugar, and Partha Banik’s 1930 Ford Model A rounded off the list of the five oldest cars in attendance at the CCFC – EIMG Vintage Car Display 2025.

While Krish Ajmera’s 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25, 1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 owned by the Karnani Family, Avik Naha’s 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30, Azam Monem’s 1948 Bentley Mk VI, 1936 Bentley 3.5L and 1938 Rolls-Royce owned by Shrivardhan Kanoria made jaws drop with awe and admiration.

An enviable sight ensued as one lay their eyes on Swapan Kumar Lahiri’s 1948 Plymouth Special Deluxe, 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster & 1963 Triumph Spitfire owned by Saikat Dutta, Sumit Periwal’s 1954 Land Rover S1, 1958 Mercedes-Benz 180A owned by Prithvi Nath Tagore, 1948 MGTC owned by Himanshu Ajmera and Gadai Chandra Dey’s 1938 Alder Trumph.

Other praiseworthy cars showcased at the CCFC – EIMG Vintage Car Display included Shubhajit Kumar’s 1963 Standard Herald, 1937 Ford 7W10 owned by Saurjya Pratim Mitra, Ranajit Gooptu’s 1952 Austin Somerset, 1970 Range Rover owned by Vivekananda Chanda and Ahmed Monem’s 1987 Land Rover Defender.

A thanksgiving ceremony followed by a sumptuous beer luncheon wrapped up the last Sunday afternoon of 2025 in great style and elegance.

Photograph courtesy Yatharth Sheth

McLaren Motorsport Confirms 2026 Factory GT Racing Driver Line-Up

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After a successful 2025 season in which McLaren Motorsport claimed its first FIA World Endurance Championship, returned to the top step of the GT World Challenge Europe podium, and secured GT4 titles in both Britain and Australia, 2026 is set to be an even bigger year as McLaren Motorsport confirms its expanded roster of 16 Factory Drivers — a distinguished and international lineup representing the brand’s competitive racing DNA across leading global GT series.

As an integral element of McLaren Motorsport’s GT racing proposition, the Factory Drivers form part of McLaren’s customer racing programmes globally, while feeding into the development programmes of the GT3, GT4 and Trophy car range.

German racer Marvin Kirchhöfer once again heads the Factory Driver line up, with Briton Dean MacDonald, Benjamin Goethe, Arthur Rougier and Simon Gachet returning. All had strong campaigns last year in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance and Sprint Cup series.

Joseph Loake graduates from the previous Junior Pro category to become a fully-fledged Factory Driver after impressing on his GT debut last year. The 2023 Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award winner previously raced single seaters in the FIA Formula 3 Championship.

The programme has now been streamlined, with the previous Junior Pro and Graduate categories merging to form the McLaren GT3 Junior Driver category. Benefitting from the tutelage of former McLaren Factory Driver, and now McLaren Motorsport Sporting Director, Rob Bell, ten drivers will become GT3 Junior Drivers. DTM driver Ben Dörr returns, as does Josh Rattican, who extends his stay on the programme into a fourth year. 2023 McLaren Trophy Europe champion Tommy Pintos also remains and is joined by 2025 champion Jayden Kelly, who moved into GT3 racing late last year.

Six new members include Garage 59 driver, and overall GT World Challenge Endurance Cup race winner in Barcelona, 27-year-old Monégasque-Italian Louis Prette. He is joined by Garage 59 teammate and recently announced FIA World Endurance Championship driver Tom Fleming. In 2025, the Essex-born Fleming dovetailed his GT World Challenge campaign with a European Le Mans Series programme.

Also in the McLaren factory GT fold for 2026 are James Kell, Mikey Porter, Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer and Zak Meakin. Kell, who has previously raced a 570 GT4 and GT3 EVO McLarens in British GT undertook a combined GT Open and GT World Challenge programme last season. Similarly, Porter raced in both championships for stalwart McLaren Customer Racing team Optimum Motorsport. 2022 GT World Challenge Europe Silver Cup champion Jean Baptiste joins the programme after two years of racing prototypes in the European Le Mans Series Zak Meakin was the 2024 British GT GT4 champion and a 2025 McLaren Trophy Europe race winner.

With both Tommy Pintos and Jayden Kelly on the programme, there is now a very clear progression from the McLaren Trophy one-make championships to becoming full Factory Drivers. Introduced in 2025, the McLaren Trophy Academy will be enhanced this year to provide greater experience to the professional drivers competing in the McLaren Trophy series, as well as drivers of an eligible age. The full line-up of McLaren Trophy Academy drivers will be announced in June.

Giorgio Sanna, Head of Motorsport, McLaren Automotive, “I am really pleased that we have a strong group of drivers making up the Factory Driver programme. Marvin, Dean, Benji, Simon, Arthur and Joseph are all top GT drivers, and it is a credit to our factory roster that we have them onboard. The eight GT3 Junior Driver members are all promising talents coming from McLaren Trophies and GT4 and we will be keeping a close eye on their progress. The renewed McLaren Trophy Academy programme dedicated to the best talent drivers competing in our one make series has the target to be a reference GT drivers development program at global level , 2026 is shaping up to be a very exciting season.”

Rob Bell, Sporting Director, McLaren Automotive, “Once again, we have been able to move the McLaren Motorsport Factory Driver programme up a gear. With an expanded line-up and a clear development focus the future is looks very bright. With Marvin, Benji and Tom racing in WEC this year we can now support a straight-line progression from McLaren Trophy to the peak of GT racing in the World Endurance Championship.”

EIMG Indian Heritage Rally 2026 Shines Spotlight on Preservation of our Motoring Heritage

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In the summer of ’24, Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG), a community of heritage vehicle collectors and restorers organised the inaugural edition of the EIMG Indian Heritage Car Rally. The event made history by becoming India’s first Indian Heritage Car Rally in the Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) format organised under the guidance of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) – the apex body of motor sports in the country.

Fast forward to January 2026, as EIMG jointly with Kolkata Automotive Sports Association (KASA), organised the EIMG Indian Heritage Rally 2026, for the third consecutive year. Around 27 Indian heritage cars participated in this rally making this the biggest event of its kind. The event also received multiple entries from All Lady Teams.

The EIMG Indian Heritage Rally 2026 was flagged off from the Town Hall on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 10.00 AM. Mr. Debasish Kumar, Honourable MLA & Mayor-in-Council (Kolkata Municipal Corporation) was present at the flag off ceremony as the Chief Guest. He was joined by Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria, Founder & President (EIMG) and Mr. Swapan Kumar Lahiri, Committee Member (EIMG) who flagged off the bevy of Indian Heritage beauties. The rally covered a distance of around 35 kilometres culminating near Maddox Square. The gala prize distribution was held at Dalhousie Institute that very evening which was followed by cocktail and dinner over camedaririe .

Time stood stand still as the immaculately restored Hindustan Contessa, Hindustan Ambassador Mark I, Fiat 1100D, Fiat Select, Hindustan 14, Fiat Super Select, Hindustan Ambassador Mark III, Contessa Classic, and Maruti 800 among several other notable Indian heritage cars were flagged off against the majestic backdrop of the iconic Town Hall in perhaps India’s only Indian Heritage Rally to be run in the TSD Format under FMSCI.

The EIMG Indian Heritage Bike Ride 2026 was run parallel to this event. Around 17 Indian heritage two-wheelers took part in the ride. Some beautifully restored two wheelers to take part in the EIMG Indian Heritage Bike Ride 2026 included 1986 Yamaha RX100, 1983 Yezdi D250, 1980 Rajdoot 175, and 1995 Yamaha RX135.

The 1952 Hindustan 14 and 1971 Bajaj 150 were the oldest Indian Heritage Car and Bike to take part in this event and successfully complete the route.

This rally is the brainchild of EIMG Secretary Shubhajit Kumar and has been specifically conceived to address the general apathy displayed by other motoring organisations towards the Indian heritage vehicles. The EIMG Indian Heritage Rally 2026 aimed to not only celebrate the timeless charm of Indian heritage automobiles but also paid homage to the enduring spirit of Indian motoring culture. As participants navigated through the scenic route, they not only reminisced about the glory days of automotive design but also embraced the camaraderie that united enthusiasts of all generations.

“In essence, this rally will be much more than just a showcase of Indian heritage cars; it will be a tribute to passion, perseverance, and the enduring bond between man and machine”, said Mr. Shubhajit Kumar, Secretary, Eastern India Motoring Group, the organizers of the EIMG Indian Heritage Rally 2026.

And as the engines roared and the wheels turned, the EIMG Indian Heritage Rally 2026 left an indelible mark on the annals of Kolkata’s motoring history, reminding us all of the timeless allure of Indian heritage automobiles and the joy of the open road.

Results:

Cars manufactured from 1950 to 1974

Winner: 1959 Fiat Super Select owned by P. S. Basha and driven by Sudip Kumar Ghosh and Arindam Ghosh

First Runner Up: 1968 Fiat 1100D owned by Debaprem Chatterjee and driven by Sourajit Dutta and Suvrajit Dutta

Second Runner Up: 1956 Fiat Super Select owned by Nilanjana Cahtterjee and driven by Arman Hussain and Soham Pal

Cars manufactured from 1975 to 2000:

Winner: 1994 Fiat S1 owned by Debaprem Chatterjee and driven by Sekhar Chowdhury and Souradeep Dutta

First Runner Up: 1975 Hindustan Ambassador Mark II owned by Divisha Chatterjee and driven by Debaprem Chatterjee and Prasenjit Roy

Second Runner Up: 1997 Maruti Zen owned by Mubarak Maseeh and driven by Mubarak Maseeh and Raj Kumar Mundra

Best All Lady Team

Winner: 1990 Hindustan Contessa Classic owned Shubhajit Kumar and driven by Anuja Kumar, Sreerupa Sarkar, Jhilik Digpati and Antara Majumder

Oldest Car to Complete the Rally

Winner: 1952 Hindustan 14 owned by Satrajit Mukherjee

Oldest Bike to Complete the Route

Winner: 1971 Bajaj 150 owned by Danish Barkati

Photographs courtesy: Mohammed Adnan Aslam

Thomas Ingenlath Returns To Volvo Cars As Chief Design Officer

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Volvo Cars has announced the appointment of Thomas Ingenlath as Chief Design Officer, effective February 1, 2026. The appointment marks the return of one of the most influential designers in the company’s recent history and reinforces Volvo Cars’ leadership in design. Thomas Ingenlath will join the Executive Management Team and lead Volvo Cars’ global design organisation across the product portfolio.

“I am delighted to be returning to Volvo Cars. Design is fundamental to what Volvo stands for. I look forward to working closely with the teams across the company, developing cars that are distinct, relevant and true to the Volvo brand.” says Thomas Ingenlath.

Thomas Ingenlath previously served as Senior Vice President Design at Volvo Cars, where he played a central role in shaping the company’s contemporary Scandinavian design identity and establishing design as a defining element of the brand. More recently, as CEO of Polestar, he led the creation of a design-led, electrified performance brand from its early stages, translating progressive ideas into production vehicles in a highly competitive market.

“Design is one of Volvo Cars’ greatest strengths and will continue to differentiate us in shaping the future of premium, electric mobility,” says Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars. “Thomas Ingenlath will strengthen our design leadership with his proven experience and vision, ensuring we continue to design cars that reflect our values and resonate with customers around the world.”

Volvo Cars would like to thank Nicholas Gronenthal, who has served as Interim Head of Global Design, for his leadership and contribution during this period and congratulate him on his new appointment as Head of Design Americas.

Emily Cox Becomes Volkswagen Brand Ambassador

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Emily Cox is the new brand ambassador for Volkswagen. The Austrian actress with Irish-English roots, known from international Netflix productions such as The Last Kingdom and the German comedy series Jerks, stands for versatility and authenticity. In her roles, she embodies multifaceted characters while remaining approachable and down to earth – values that also characterise Volkswagen. This Christmas, she celebrated the world premiere of her latest film in Germany – The Physician 2.

As a Volkswagen brand ambassador, Emily Cox drives a Tayron and tests the spacious SUV in everyday life with her family. Jens Katemann, Head of Communications for the Volkswagen Brand and Brand Group Core, says: “Volkswagen has been accompanying families for generations and stands for reliable mobility. With Emily Cox, we have gained an authentic and down-to-earth brand ambassador who credibly brings our values into everyday life. She embodies exactly what Volkswagen stands for: approachability, openness, and the feeling of being part of our customers’ lives.”

The actress herself associates personal memories with the brand. She says: “Volkswagen was already part of my childhood – our first family car was a Golf. That makes it even more special for me to now drive a vehicle of the brand with my own little family.” Professionally, Emily Cox travels a lot and regularly commutes between Vienna, Berlin and other filming locations. “As a mother, I especially appreciate the safety of a Volkswagen – as well as the generous space and comfort of the Tayron,” she adds.

Currently, Emily Cox stars in the leading role of The Physician 2 (Constantin Film), which premiered in German cinemas on 25 December. She has previously appeared in German-language productions such as Achtsam Morden and Jerks. Her international breakthrough came with the Netflix series The Last Kingdom, where she played the Viking warrior Brida.

The Original Turns 50 – Volkswagen Celebrates Five Decades of GTI in 2026

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It is the world’s most successful compact sports car: the Golf GTI. The original in its class. More than 2.5 million units have been produced to date. In 2026, the Golf GTI will turn 50 – and this will be celebrated with a variety of national and international classic events, the exclusive anniversary model Golf GTI EDITION 501, and the world premiere of the first all-electric GTI.

A success story since 1976. When the Golf GTI was launched in 1976, no one could have guessed that the 81 kW (110 PS) Volkswagen, with its red grille surround, black wheel arch extensions and golf ball gear knob, would soon become the world’s most successful compact sports car. Only 5,000 units were planned, but in the first year alone dealers sold 10 times as many vehicles. In total, 461,690 first-generation Golf GTI cars were built.

It was the unusual overall package that struck a chord: a highly precise sports car for lonely Alpine passes and, at the same time, a practical companion for every day of the year, extremely economical and instantly a timeless style icon. The price was also a hit: 13,850 Deutschmarks in Germany. The media spoke of the democratisation of the sports car. And indeed, the performance of the 182 kmph Volkswagen was impressive: with a sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 9.0 seconds, the 1976 Golf GTI left behind numerous sports cars and coupés that were easily 10,000 Deutschmarks more expensive.

The DNA for the past 50 years – and for tomorrow. The unique interplay of agile engine, lightweight front-wheel drive, balanced chassis, perfectly fitting sports seats and crisp, no-frills design still characterises the Golf GTI today. It is this synthesis that Volkswagen has continuously refined over 50 years – making the Golf GTI an authentic sports car and the original in its class. The fact is: today, when people say GTI, they mean Volkswagen. The crowning glory of this world-famous product brand in the anniversary year 2026 is the Golf GTI EDITION 50 – the most powerful production Golf GTI to date, with 239 kW (325 PS). The anniversary model is already available to order in some European markets, with the first units to be delivered in 2026. Volkswagen has also proven that the GTI philosophy is successful in other model series, especially with the Polo GTI. In 2026, a new Polo GTI will take off: the ID. Polo GTI. With 166 kW (226 PS), it will transfer the GTI philosophy into the electric drive era for the first time – there could not have been a better debut year for the first electric GTI.

Classic GTI in Paris and Bremen. The first five decades of GTI will be the focus of various major classic events in 2026. The celebrations kick off from January 28 to February 1 in Paris at Rétromobile. The classic car show at the Port de Versailles will celebrate its 50th birthday in 2026, just like the Golf GTI. Almost simultaneously, the first German show for classic vehicles begins in the Hanseatic city of Bremen: the Bremen Classic Motorshow. Here, the Golf GTI will be in the spotlight from January 30 to February 2. Both shows are therefore not only the opening events for the European classic season 2026, but also for the GTI year 2026.

Last of its kind: the final 2016 Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition offered in online auction

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Is this by far the best Christmas present for a Land Rover collector? Collecting Cars is offering a true piece of Land Rover history with exceptional provenance. Now live and open for bidding is the final Land Rover Defender Heritage Edition, and the fourth-to-last Land Rover Defender of any variant to roll off the line.

Built to celebrate the legacy of HUE 166, the very first pre-production Series I Land Rover from 1947, the Heritage Edition marked the closing chapter of classic Defender production. With a total UK allocation of just 400 vehicles, these factory-built specials have become firm favourites among collectors worldwide, with a delivery-mileage example selling for a six-figure sum back in 2023.

This specific Land Rover Defender 90 Heritage Edition is finished in iconic Grasmere Green metallic with an Alaska White roof and has covered just 4,597 miles since 2016. It proudly displays all the hallmarks that make the Heritage Edition so sought-after: heritage-style grille and headlamp surrounds, body-coloured heavy-duty steel wheels, a silver front bumper with black end caps, clear indicator lenses, and Indus Silver door hinges. Aluminium heritage badges adorn the grille and rear, while authentic HUE 166 graphics grace the front wings, completing the period-inspired look.

Inside, the cabin blends traditional Defender toughness with subtle luxury. Highlights include a perforated leather steering wheel rim, gear lever and handbrake, Bright Aluminium trim to the air vents and door furniture, and Almond Resolve Cloth seats with heritage logos and HUE 166 tags. Practical touches such as rubber floor mats and a padded cubby box ensure it remains ready for use as well as admiration.

This Defender 90 was built on 29 January 2016 – the last day of Defender production – and is confirmed as the final Heritage model to leave the factory. It remains original and remarkably well-preserved, with just one private owner from new, accompanied by a full folder of documentation evidencing this car’s exceptional provenance and significance, including several magazine feature articles.

Commenting on the auction listing, Edward Lovett, founder of Collecting Cars said: “Special edition Defenders like the Heritage consistently attract strong interest from bidders all over the world. They capture everything people love about the classic Defender, with the reassurance of being factory-built and carefully specified from new.

“As the last one to roll off the production line, this is quite literally the ‘ultimate’ Defender Heritage, and as such represents an unmissable opportunity in the market – so we anticipate strong interest from collectors.”

Offered from the UK yet open to worldwide bidding, this low-mileage, single-owner Defender 90 Heritage Edition is an outstanding opportunity for collectors seeking one of the most characterful modern Land Rovers ever produced. The seven-day auction will conclude on 30 December, exclusively on the Collecting Cars platform.