Full Review – Land Rover Classic Defender 90 10317

The Prosecution of the Lego Land Rover Defendant

by Lukas Mack

I’ve always had lustful Land Rover eyes but my bank balance has invariably held other plans. Rather, I have a long and enduring history with a particular Hyundai hatchback. Well, if I can’t afford the biggun’ then maybe this Lego set can sate my 4WD appetite? At a whopping RRP of $369.99, I’m not convinced its 2336 pieces really add up. We will now hear the case of set number 10317: The Land Rover Classic Defender 90.

First up, some clarification. This set is not the Technic Land Rover Defender 42110. That set retired a few months prior and was a representation of the more contemporary Land Rover. This here takes its styling cues after the classic Defenders. It is ostensibly an 18+ Icons system-style set that emphasises details and display over build and function. In reality, the Classic Defender is actually a fairly fiddly build in places and over reliant on technic for the likes of its suspension and roof rack. I’m honestly surprised Lego went with so many technic components given just how recently the aforementioned Technic 42110 Defender was retired. The charitable framing of this build would be ‘something for the mature builder seeking a more advanced challenge’. I’m not that charitable. While at times this thing can be gratifying, more often it is frustrating and quite frankly banal.

This is the right time to address the real question: who is this set really for? The answer is the niche crossover of brick lovers and absolute classic Land Rover connoisseurs. Those people definitely exist and there will be individuals who will adore the attention to detail and the little nods here and there. They’ll notice how the number plate references early model numbers and they’ll appreciate the options of either a turbo diesel or V8 petrol engine. They may even take the time to pull the set off the shelf and rebuild it into one of two ever-so-slightly alternate models. The weird thing is, I thought I was this person! I wager most people will build this set as it appears on the front of the box and be quite satisfied.

In the Defender’s defense, this really is quite a nice display set. That iconic sand green works a treat and when it’s all kitted out in its “expedition” mode, there are some fun fleeting moments like tying down the roof rack and equipping the spare tyre. The details are all there and the mini-builds add some desperately needed flavour. The very first build is a working high lift jack and the opening red toolbox is pretty clever too. Removing all these accessories and converting the set to either of its estate models really leaves it feeling quite bare. It’s nice to have the option of course but my recommendation would be to preserve the character and storytelling of the primary design.

I hereby present my entirely subjective, biased and likely fickle findings on the case of the oddly timed Classic Defender 90 set number 10317 (not the Technic one!). I wanted to love this set. I like it. I wanted to really savour every moment of the build. I choked on a couple bones. Perhaps I wanted for too much: my expectations were too high? For nearly three hundred and seventy whole Australian dollars, I think it’s fair and reasonable to have high expectations. There is a small audience who will likely see their expectations met. Those are the sort who can discern the Defender’s most minute details, perhaps from personal experience. I for one, still driving my aging Hyundai hatchback, can only judge it as overpriced, a chore to build and overall assertively average.

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Words by Lukas Mack
Photos by Lukas Mack

Editors Note:
This post may contain affiliate links that generate income for the website.
This set was provided free of charge by The LEGO Group. Opinions expressed in the review are those of the reviewer.