The Traitors: Interest in Land Rovers used in hit BBC series surges

26 January 2024 , 16:30

450     0

Black Land Rovers have become an unlikely star of The Traitors series (Image: BBC)

Sales of black Land Rovers could soon be soaring as fans of BBC's hit subterfuge show The Traitors reaches its thrilling crescendo, says Auto Trader.

Bosses at the new and used car-selling platform say the fleet of ominous Land Rover Defender 110s appears to have become the unsung heroes of the series, with searches since the start of series one increasing by 39%.

According to Auto Trader's data, 92,404 people have searched for Defenders in January alone, and this is expected to increase once the show reaches its explosive finale on Friday night.

Auto Trader's Editorial director Erin Baker said: "Viral cultural moments often influence consumer behaviour and in particular, the cars people choose to drive.

"We saw it in 2023 with the release of Barbie and the rise of interest in pink ‘Barbiecore’ cars and now as The Traitors has consumed the nation, we’re not surprised to also see the rise in popularity of the Land Rover Defender.

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

"Coupled with the fact the Defender has an iconic British presence, the car plays such an integral role in the show everyone wants a piece of at the moment."

It appears the show has not only whipped up a new wave of interest in the classic Defender model used in the show, either, according to search data, Traitors fans may be behind a surge in interest in the new shape Defender 130, meaning that views for black Defenders of both the newer and older spec reached nearly half a million (485,197) in January month-to-date, up 37% versus the same period in January last year.

Searches have also spiked for black versions of Land Rover's recently launched new Defender 130

With the finalists facing their biggest mission yet and the Faithfuls’ trust in one another questioned, there is everything to play for – but with a life-changing sum of prize money up for grabs, will the contestants themselves be putting a glossy Land Rover high-up on their shopping list?

Fancy a black Land Rover Defender? Here's a few to consider

The cheapest black Defender on Auto Trader right now is this hard top 110, which has covered 198,000 miles since it was new in 2001.

Its 2.5-litre diesel might have worked a long stint, then, but Land Rovers were built for hard work. So there should be plenty of life left in this £11,999 example.

At the other end of the scale, here's a menacing 110 in a similar spec to those used in the series.

It might be over 10 years old, and it might have covered 76,110 miles, but its choice upgrades and that gleaming Santorini black paintwork will mean it's the ideal choice for fans of The Traitors. Yours for a snip under £30,000. You can also find Land Rovers for sale over at Cinch.

Gareth Butterfield