[Image: Twisted]
Back in 2015, one man saw the future—and it happened to be shaped like a Land Rover Defender.
Charles Fawcett, the mastermind behind Twisted, a company that turns Defenders into bespoke beasts, made a bold move. As the legendary off-roader neared the end of its production run, he swooped in and bought up 200 of them before the factory shut its doors in 2016.
Fast forward, and that gamble has paid off handsomely. With demand skyrocketing, some buyers have shelled out a jaw-dropping $275,000 (R5 million) just to get their hands on one of Twisted’s custom builds.
The Land Rover Defender first rolled onto the scene in 1983, a rugged icon built to conquer the wild. But after 33 years of production, its reign came to an end. Sensing an opportunity, Fawcett made his way to Land Rover’s Solihull factory in the UK, stepping onto the production line to witness the final days of the legendary machine. He didn’t just watch—he made history, locking down 200 of the last Defenders ever built.
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At the time, each one cost around $44,300 (R800,000). But in the hands of Twisted, these weren’t just Defenders anymore—they became something far more exclusive. After carefully storing his fleet, Fawcett set to work transforming them into high-performance, high-luxury machines.
By 2023, he had 16 of his highly coveted Defenders up for grabs—each one unique.
“These sixteen 110s were hand-picked for their chassis numbers and build dates,” he told The Sun.
“They’re special, and when Twisted, each one is the only one. Hence the limited run is called One of One.”
And these aren’t your average Defenders. Twisted’s upgrades are serious—boosted suspension, high-performance brakes, rugged wheels, top-tier tires, and sleek LED lighting. The interiors are just as impressive, featuring plush leather, cutting-edge soundproofing, and a state-of-the-art infotainment system.
Each vehicle is tailor-made to its owner’s lifestyle.
“All of the 16 will be Twisted, but exactly how depends on the lifestyle and tastes of the customer,” he told the publication.
“The Twisted way isn’t to tell people what their Defender should be; it’s to work with them to create a Defender that’s the best fit for them.”
Of course, craftsmanship at this level doesn’t come cheap. A Twisted Defender starts at $171,000 (over R3 million) for the diesel model and $233,884 (R4,3 million) for the gas-powered version. Go all in on the options, and the price tag soars to a staggering $274,700 (R5 million).
From a bold bet in 2015 to a fleet of ultra-exclusive, high-performance off-roaders, Fawcett’s vision has paid off. And for those willing to pay the price, a Twisted Defender isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a statement.
[Source: Supercar Blondie]
