Classic Land Rover Defender rebuilt for Naples Winter Wine Festival charity auction

NAPLES, Fla.—The Naples Winter Wine Festival is set to feature a unique auction item that is sure to catch the eyes of car enthusiasts—a completely rebuilt classic Land Rover Defender. 

The vehicle, restored by North 44 Rovers, is among the high-profile lots. In the past, many items sold for more than a million dollars.

Shahzer Khan, Managing Partner of North 44 Rovers, explained the transformation.

“So this is a 1991 Land Rover Defender. This is no longer a '91 defender, because it's been completely restored to the last bolt,” said Khan.

 The team at North 44 Rovers stripped the vehicle down to its frame, rebuilding it with modern upgrades while maintaining its iconic look.

“When you're done driving this car, you come out of it feeling recharged. And it's almost meditative to really, really be engaged with the car. You really get to understand it,” said Khan.

Although the Defender is no longer in production, its silhouette and simplicity continue to connect generations of drivers worldwide.

“So this car, we didn't even put any electronics. There's no Bluetooth, there's no screens. You get in there, and you're just, you're just driving,” said Khan.

Beyond its craftsmanship, the Land Rover Defender represents the builders’ commitment to health and healing.

“We do charity with the children in Toronto as well, with the pony amongst them as well as the elderly that are sick in the hospital and can't get out. So we have them bring our pony Stash to the hospital to give them a little bit of cheer and a little bit of joy,” said Khan.

The decision to donate the vehicle was rooted in gratitude and a desire to give back to the community. 

“We've had such tremendous support in Florida with our brand. We've done great business here, and we were looking for ways to give back,” said Khan.

For North 44 Rovers, giving back to the Naples Children's Foundation is intertwined with creating something meant to endure.

“We want to build something that's built to last and built to be passed down. And we see it as an investment. We see it as something you keep for a long time,” said Khan.

The Naples Winter Wine Festival will showcase more than just fine wines this year, with the Land Rover Defender standing as a testament to craftsmanship and charity in auction lot one.