These days the public’s idea of the ‘ultimate’ Land Rover Defender is a heavily tricked-out model, preferably with wide arches and large wheels, wrapped in matte black. Back in the days though, people had different ideas of what’s cool. This 1984 model was called the ultimate Defender because it had 12 seats!

And now you can own this magnificent piece of SUV history as Classic Car Auctions (CCA) is auctioning it off at CarFest South on August 29th. There is of course more to this Land Rover Defender than just having 12 seats. It’s a V8 County Station Wagon model and boasts the same 3.5 litre engine and gearbox as contemporary Range Rovers. Other highlights include the rare and desirable sliding windows, flush door handles and the ultra-rare seat-box mounted high and low range gear selector lever.

The ‘ultimate’ Land Rover Defender is thoroughly restored over a period of ten years in which it received a new galvanised Richards chassis and new 3.5 liter V8 engine, and had all its mechanical parts either replaced or fully overhauled. The car also got a Rolls-Royce Nutmeg Brown and a re-trimmed interior. Admittedly, despite all this good stuff, this Landie is not going to set the auction ablaze as it is expected to fetch between £19,500 and £21,000.

Commenting on this amazing car, Guy Lees- Milne, general manager, Classic Car Auctions, said: “Given the uniqueness of this incredible Land Rover, coupled to the fact that 2015 heralds the final production run of this British icon, it has to be a shrewd investment. There really is no other like it.”