Yes, it looks like any other classic Land Rover Defender, which makes it desirable enough in our book. But no it’s not just any Defender. At all. You’re looking at one of the fastest there is, reimagined under the skin by Bowler, Land Rover modifiers extraordinaire. First clue? You won’t find the words “Land Rover” anywhere on this ultimate stealth off-roader.
Bowler badges, in the shape of Land Rover decals, feature front and rear, with the letters forming the modifier’s name appearing menacingly above the grille. Not that you’ll have time to notice as the Bowler races past you on the dirt track, mountain - or even motorway. Exterior details abound when you know where to look: eight LED lights set just above the front bumper, for instance, so everyone knows something unusual is growling over the hill.
There’s plenty of just in case detailing: what looks like scaffolding over the passenger compartment is an external roll cage. High grade aluminium is used for protective side rails and steps. Those deep dish alloys? To Bowler’s specification, of course. Under the skin, nuts and bolts are stainless steel. Just in case, of course. There is more, much more.
Because Bowler, named after founder Drew Bowler, has always done ludicrous things with Land Rovers. From a Series One Defender modified for competition to bespoke bodied off-roaders designed for desert races - and seen at the likes of the Goodwood Festival of Speed - Bowler’s Land Rover modifications took the pioneering off-roader to heights that its originators couldn’t have dreamed of. Utilitarian? Yes and no.
Bowler Fast Road Defender: Behind the black
Open a jet black door and you’ll find the Fast Road Defender interior is way beyond utilitarian. Seats are Recaro SVX, heated for those long mornings out shepherding or more likely on the way to that five star retreat in the Scottish Highlands, Louis Vuitton bags stowed out back. Momo steering wheel is Alcantara-lined. Drilled gear selectors are Bowler’s own. No nonsense Bowler plaque is stamped with factory production number. Sound proofing protects from most of the growl you’ll hear from outside.
Because under the bulging bonnet is a Stage Two modified engine as used in Bowler’s desert racers. Despite its useful off-road capability, what the Fast Road Defender wants most is to pass everything in front of you. Even in the horizontal rain. Bilstein dampers offer stability rather than comfort, while bespoke brakes mean you’ll be able to stop for coffee on the button.
Want one? We’re sad to have to tell you that Bowler, despite - or cynics might say because of - ownership and investment from Jaguar Land Rover, has now ceased operations. Happily there’s a thriving used market in the remarkable machines this rugged little company imagined. Budget around £50,000 and beat the coming - or indeed any - apocalypse. We’ll be aiming at getting one for our own Mad Max garage. See you at the end of the world.
Next up: Land Rover Defender 110 MkII by Blackbridge Motors.
