Three-times British Rally champion will be in the driving seat for a round of the Bowler Defender Challenge to celebrate the famous film franchise
Land Rover, UK, March 22, 2022 – 2022 marks the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise, and Land Rover is celebrating by entering a rally-prepared, liveried Defender 90 into the 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge with Mark Higgins competing in North Wales leg on 26 March.
Higgins, a three-time British Rally Champion and Bond stunt driver, will make his return to rallying with co-driver Claire Williams on March 26 in North Wales. Higgins has been at the wheel in four James Bond films – Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time to Die.
The Defender 90 features a trademark black and gold Bond livery with the names of each Bond film detailed across its bonnet and the tailgate. The stealthy looking vehicle also features a special 007 60th logo on its roof and sides.
New Defender features in the latest Bond release, No Time To Die, so it is a fitting choice for Higgins, who has put his experience to the test in the previous four Bond films as a stunt driver.
Mr Higgins said: "The New Defender is a tough and capable vehicle when it leaves the production line and I've seen it perform really challenging stunts while on the set of No Time To Die. With the race-ready enhancements made by the Bowler team and with Claire by my side, we are confident we can have a great result."
The competition-ready Bond Defender is based on a current Defender 90, powered by the P300 Ingenium powertrain. It features a host of safety modifications, including a full roll cage, enhanced cooling for the engine and transmission, a sports exhaust and a new rear roof spoiler.
Other enhancements include strengthened 18-inch Bowler wheels with all-terrain tyres and a bespoke suspension design with modified subframes, new springs and unique turrets for increased stiffness.
Finbar McFall, Land Rover brand director, said: "To celebrate Land Rover's long-running association with the Bond franchise, our very own special agent will showcase the durability and all-terrain capability of Defender with a nod to its special appearance in No Time To Die."
Regulated by the Motor Sports Association and operated by Bowler, the 12-team 2022 Bowler Defender Challenge is designed to act as a feeder series for global rally-raid competitions, including the annual Dakar rally. Mark and Claire will compete on the gravel surfaces of Rally North Wales in Dolgellau on March 26.
