Sterling Automotive Heritage


The Land Rover Defender is arguably the most recognisable vehicle in the world. 


Possesing an unmistakable silhouette that remained largely unchanged for 67 years, it became a British icon the world over. 


Until now... 2020 saw the release of the all new Land Rover Defender.


A capable, solid and state-of-the-art vehicle designed with Land Rover’s ‘go anywhere’ attitude at it’s heart. 


Although the new Defender has some formative nods to its predecessor, it’s overall design language is very, very different.


The ideology behind Sterling Automotive’s Heritage project is to soften the juxtaposing architecture of the two vehicles and establish a more coherent aesthetic between them, creating a family of vehicles that can live alongside one another in a synergetic accord.



The aim of our Defender program was simple; to build on the synergy between the classic and the new Defenders.

New Defender's lineage is clear when the two are sat alongside one another, but we felt there was more that could be done.


As such, we dissected both cars from all angles and began work on drawing parallels between them and identifying areas with scope on which to build.

The focal point of both vehicles is the front grille and bumper assembly, which were designed in tandem to aid in the development of cohesive products that serve to bolster the rugged DNA of the Defender.


Both products share a clear set of design cues, all of which can be traced to a silhouette that works equally well between old and new.

S T E R L I N G  NEW DEFENDER EXTERIOR CONVERSION //

- COMPLETE UPPER AND LOWER GRILLE REPLACEMENT

- FRONT BUMPER CORNER ACCENTS

- REDESIGNED SIDE AND BONNET VENTS

- TWO-PIECE SPLIT REAR ROOF WING

- REAR BUMPER CORNERS AND FINISHERS

- STERLING ‘FLAG MOTIF’ SPARE WHEEL COVER

- STERLING BONNET LETTERING IN SATIN BLACK

- STERLING PRESTIGE BADGE

- 22” CUSTOM WHEELS FITTED WITH A/T TYRES

- FULL EXTERIOR BLACK PACK

- LAND ROVER EXTENDED WHEEL ARCHES (SET OF 4 PAINTED)

- FITTING AND PAINTING





A closer look at our New Defender 110: