Anthony and Becky CarrilloAs a Sales Manager at Land Rover Sarasota in the mid-1990s, I had a soft spot for the iconic Defender. Each time one rolled into the dealership, I couldn’t help but stop and marvel at its rugged charm, knowing that the Defender would enable every owner to create wonderful stories to accompany their ownership — tales that would pique my curiosity. I often told my wife, Becky, that if I ever stumbled upon one at a reasonable price, I would seize the opportunity. Little did I know, our journey to owning a Defender would unfold in the most unexpected way.
By 2022, Becky and I owned Carrillo Realty in Clearwater, FL. One day, as we were driving to a photo shoot of a beautiful, 23-acre working horse farm, our adventure took a delightful turn. As we navigated the long, winding driveway lined with barns, my heart raced when I spotted it — a Land Rover Defender tucked away in one of the barns. Like a child seeing their superhero, I exclaimed, “Honey, look! It’s a Land Rover 110!”
Becky, slightly puzzled, replied, “And?” I quickly reminded her of my long-standing admiration for the vehicle and the promise I had made to myself.
As we pulled up to the farmhouse, an unexpected twist awaited us. The owner emerged and called out, “Becky? Becky Gibson?” He turned out to be an old friend from her high school days. After we conducted our business, curiosity got the better of me, and I inquired about the Defender. To my surprise, he said, “Actually, I’m not taking it with me.” My heart raced; I thought, “Could this be the moment?”
With his long-standing friendship with Becky in mind, he offered me what I can only describe as a friends-and-family deal. I was ecstatic!
When I brought the Defender home, I knew it deserved some TLC. I immediately reached out to my contacts to get everything in order.
I took the truck to a former employer, Dimmitt Land Rover, Clearwater, FL. Phil Reynolds, my successor as Sales Manager there, connected me with their best Defender technician, Keith Reiter. Keith took the Defender in for three months, diligently ordering parts and replacing worn-out components. He conducted a thorough inspection, ensuring it was ready for smooth day-to-day driving.
Once I got it back, I turned to Derek Ferguson, the owner of Next Level Customs, Tampa. FL, to tackle the Defender’s exterior. The old Rhino Liner in the tub had peels and cracks; I knew it needed a fresh look. Derek worked his magic over the next three months, applying a stunning high-gloss finish that truly made the vehicle stand out. The icing on the cake? The Defender perfectly matched the color of our company logo. Now, it’s not just a vehicle for us; it’s a prized possession that attends shows and serves as a unique marketing tool for our business.
I’ve owned a lot of vehicles in my day, but none attracts people like this Land Rover. In this affluent region, I find myself around cars like Ferraris, but bystanders check out the Defender instead! Everywhere we go, people ask about it or cry out, “OMG, that’s a Defender!” At car shows, we hear women proclaim, “This is my dream car.”
Owning this Land Rover 110 has been more than just a nostalgic dream come true — it’s a symbol of connection, friendship and the serendipitous moments that life brings our way. It’s a reminder of the passion that first drew me to Land Rover and the adventures that lie ahead.