The success story of Twisted Automotive with the Land Rover Defender
Land Rover’s decision to discontinue production of the classic Defender not only led to the creation of the Ineos Grenadier but also opened up an incredible investment opportunity for Charles R. Fawcett, the owner of Twisted Automotive.
Knowing that the iconic Defender was being discontinued and replaced with a new model, he made a huge bet by ordering 240 vehicles, believing he could modify and sell them at a significant markup.
A deal based on trust
Fawcett had a close relationship with Land Rover when the discontinuation of the Defender was announced and wanted to order as many vehicles as possible. Since he didn’t have the money to buy 240 Defenders outright, he arranged with the manufacturer to pay upon receipt.
Furthermore, he negotiated a 14.8% discount for the bulk order, so he paid approximately £22,600 ($30,600) per car, totaling £5,424,000 ($7.3 million). A total of 239 Defenders were delivered.
Twisted’s approach to modification
Although Twisted could have sold these Defenders unchanged and made a profit, Fawcett decided that the company would customize and upgrade each one, targeting the restomod market.
Initially, modified Twisted Defenders sold for between £70,000 ($95,000) and £90,000 ($122,000), but now, according to Fawcett, they typically cost from £180,000 ($244,000) to £320,000 ($433,000).
“What we put 1,500 hours into each build is often underestimated. That’s 1,500 hours of labor using parts, components, and processes developed over 25 years,” Fawcett said.
“It’s a truly extraordinary level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that justifies the high price, but it was still a huge risk. Ultimately, we are creating something that no one needs, but the desire to have it is enormous. Having this stock of vehicles allowed the business to grow for nine years after production ended, and over those nine years, we have made over £50 million.”
The future for Defender fans
According to Twisted, only 21 or 22 Defenders remain, and when they are sold, it will be impossible to replace them. So, if you want to get a Defender with minimal mileage that was one of the last off the production line and thoroughly modified, you’d better hurry with your order.
This story demonstrates how strategic vision and a willingness to take risks can translate into significant success, especially when it comes to vehicles with the history and iconic status of the Defender. The demand for unique and meticulously modified models is only growing, making projects like Twisted not only profitable but also important for preserving automotive heritage.