The iconic British 4×4 Land Rover that starred in Vera and many classic films

Land Rover is one of those brands that everyone knows, but its presence in popular media is just as well known, with many iconic TV and film characters taking to the wheel of the classic 4×4.

A plethora of models have appeared in hundreds of movies and TV shows, with the majority being right in the middle of all the action. If you’re a true car fanatic, you may have noticed a few pop up on your screen, but you may not have spotted them all.

Take a look at Adrian Flux’s favourite TV and film Land Rover 4x4s down below. After reading this list, we can almost guarantee you’ll be going back to catch all these amazing Land Rover moments on screen.

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Land Rover Defender in Vera

The ITV crime drama, Vera, is a favourite of many and as much as the titular character is known for her detective skills and quick wit, she is equally known for her ride of choice, a 4×4 Land Rover.

Brenda Blethyn stars as the Detective Chief Inspector in this slow burner set in rugged Northumberland so, what else would Vera Stanhope choose but a battered old Landie, an off-roader built for purpose?

Even though the drama began in 2011, the Land Rover used was actually originally registered in 1996 as a manual.

Blethyn doesn’t have a manual licence, so a Land Rover specialist modified it and the vintage vehicle now functions as an automatic, with the actor pretending to change gears while performing her scenes.

Believe it or not, she also does her own driving stunts because the show’s stunt driver is a man with a ginger beard which would definitely ruin the on-screen illusion.

Another adjustment for the star was the addition of an extra step on the side, as Blethyn, who is only 5 ‘2, was struggling to get in and out of the car.

The Land Rover is so beloved by fans, that when Brenda Blethyn tweeted about having an accidental run in with a bollard, many fans responded, hoping the car in question wasn’t Vera’s Landie.

Brenda Blethyn announced in April 2024 that she would be leaving after the 14th series, bringing to an end the instantly recognisable pairing of Vera and her Landie.

007’s favourite Land Rovers

Add NewJames Bond loves a martini, shaken not stirred of course, but 007 also loves the 4×4 icon that is the Land Rover. More famed for driving the Aston Martin DB7, Land Rover derivatives have appeared in no less than eight 007 movies.

In 2015’s Spectre, the Land Rover Defender SVX used was modified with 37-inch tyres, extra power and improved suspension. The double cab pick-up was modified for a dramatic car chase through the Austrian Alps.

Another Bond movie to feature the British 4×4 off-roader is Skyfall, which sees Naomie Harris burning rubber in a Land Rover Defender Double Cab.

Range Rovers also made an appearance in Octopussy, The Living Daylights, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.

The Land Rover Defender TD5 110 in Tomb Raider

The Defender in Tomb Raider was actually customised to be driven specifically by Angelina Jolie as memorable heroine Lara Croft.

Notable extras included in the modification were a diamond plate trimming and an underwater snorkel – for serious off-road action.

Land Rover Series IIA Station Wagon in The Italian Job

The triumphant triumvirate of magnificent Mini Coopers steal the show in The Italian Job, but the Station Wagon makes a wonderful cameo navigating the backstreets of Turin before Michael Caine and his cohorts lift the gold bullion.

Land Rover 109 Series II Station Wagon in Get Carter

A Caine classic from 1971 and another classic Landie Station Wagon. This time the British 4×4 is put through its paces by criminals chasing gangster Jack Carter and later the same car is used by police trying to nab crime boss Cyril Kinnear.

Land Rover Defender 110 in The Da Vinci Code

The Defender whisks our hero Robert Langdon to safety through a forest, at night time, with no lights on so as to avoid capture. A piece of cake for the Defender!

Interestingly in the original Dan Brown book, the escape car was not a Defender but a Range Rover but we love the visual of either car starring on the big screen.