Imagine this: it’s 2015, and Charles Fawcett, founder of the modifying company Twisted, makes a decision that will forever change the course of his business.
He places an order for more than 200 of the iconic Land Rover Defenders, knowing that with production about to end, these vehicles will become highly sought after.
Fast forward to today, and he’s made millions, all while dealing with roadblocks and legal battles from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). Let’s take a closer look at this impressive journey.
A Risky Yet Rewarding Decision
Fawcett’s decision wasn’t just a lucky guess—it was a strategic move based on knowledge and foresight.
As the production of the beloved Defender came to a halt, he recognized that the value of these vehicles would likely skyrocket. So, in 2015, he took a gamble and ordered 240 of the final Defenders.
However, getting his hands on these vehicles wasn’t easy. Despite his enthusiasm and the foresight of a sound business move, JLR was less than thrilled about the order.
According to Fawcett, the company did everything it could to block the deal. After a tense negotiation, Fawcett managed to secure 239 vehicles—just one short of his original request.
The Battle with JLR
Charles recounts how his interactions with JLR were far from smooth.
Once he placed the order, he faced numerous hurdles. JLR introduced restrictive terms regarding the use of the Defender name and even attempted to block his marketing efforts. Despite these challenges, Fawcett and his team pressed forward, eventually receiving the cars.
What’s more, JLR’s initial reluctance led to some unexpected benefits.
Since the final 120 vehicles arrived months after production had stopped, they became even more valuable, being some of the last Defenders ever made.
Turning a Dream Into Millions
Fawcett’s bold decision has turned into a business success story.
Initially, these vehicles were purchased for around £22,600 each after a generous discount.
However, thanks to significant modifications made by Twisted—ranging from upgraded suspension to improved interiors—these Defenders are now sold for far more than their original value.
Early on, prices ranged from £60,000 to £100,000, but today, they can fetch as much as £250,000, depending on the model and modifications.
Fawcett estimates that the success of this order contributed to between £50 million and £60 million in turnover for his business.
But he also acknowledges the significant costs that went into the modifications, research, and development, which all added up over time.
Legal Challenges and Victories
Alongside his financial success, Fawcett also had to deal with a series of legal battles with JLR.
One of the most notable was a trademark dispute in 2019, where JLR attempted to claim that a part of Twisted’s business was infringing on the brand’s intellectual property.
After a legal fight, Fawcett won the case, which he described as a victory against JLR’s “bullying tactics.”
This victory came during a period when JLR was also involved in other legal battles, including a case with Ineos Automotive regarding the rights to the Defender name and design.
Fawcett’s win was a clear sign that even against a major company like JLR, small businesses could make a big impact.
The Value of Land Rover Defenders Today
As of 2025, the value of original Land Rover Defenders has only increased.
While there was some fluctuation in prices after production ended in 2016, the vehicles remain in high demand, particularly in the collector’s market.
Fawcett’s decision to hold on to some of the last Defenders ever made has paid off, with prices rising steadily over the years.
According to experts, the demand for classic Land Rovers is still strong, especially in the U.S., where the vehicles are seen as a symbol of ruggedness and nostalgia.
Some modified models, like those from Twisted, can sell for even higher prices due to the extensive work done to improve them.
The Last of the Defenders
Despite selling most of the Defenders, Fawcett still has a small collection of “new” vehicles in storage.
These last few remaining models are considered better than money in the bank, given their rising value.
While he plans to keep some of them for himself, he’s open to selling a few to special customers who are passionate about these rare vehicles.
The Future of Twisted
Today, Twisted continues to thrive, expanding into new markets like Japan and the U.S. and even launching a division focused on modifying boats.
Fawcett credits the success of his bold 2015 order for much of the company’s transformation, allowing it to grow and diversify in ways that would have been impossible without that pivotal decision.
Looking back, Fawcett sees this moment as one of the best financial decisions of his life.
As he puts it, while it was a tiny deal in the grand scheme of global business, it has been monumental for him and his team in North Yorkshire.
In a world where most vehicles depreciate after production ends, the Land Rover Defender is a rare success story that proves sometimes, betting on the future can lead to incredible rewards.