Designer Job Smeets Collaborates with Firmship to Create Limited-Edition Land Rover Defender

A Stripped-Back and Minimalist SUV Inspired by Historic References and Luxury Vessels

Designer Job Smeets has partnered with Firmship, the yacht brand of former Moooi CEO Casper Vissers, to produce a limited-edition Land Rover Defender. This collaboration combines the stark minimalism and historical influences of Firmship’s luxury vessels with the iconic design of the Land Rover Defender. The SUV, made in a limited run of 25, features a monochrome aesthetic both inside and out, and is finished in Firmship’s signature color RAL 7035. With its emphasis on durability and timeless design, the Firmship Defender is a unique and stylish addition to the automotive market.

The Perfect Neutral: RAL 7035 and Versatility in Design

The Firmship Defender stands out with its exterior finished in RAL 7035, a light grey color chosen for its versatility and timelessness. This shade serves as the perfect neutral backdrop, complementing a wide range of colors and materials, including wood, metals, concrete, and glass. Firmship’s decision to use RAL 7035 reflects their commitment to creating a design that can adapt to various styles and aesthetics.

Unmatched Durability: The Tactile Surface Texture

To enhance the Defender’s durability, Firmship has applied a lacquer known as the strongest and toughest metal lacquer available in the world. This lacquer, typically used in heavy-duty applications such as bulldozers and public phone boxes in the US, provides the SUV with a tactile surface texture. The result is a car that feels strong yet silent to the touch, further emphasizing its robustness and longevity.

Nod to Classic Boats: Firmship’s Design Philosophy

Firmship, founded by Casper Vissers, specializes in building luxury vessels that pay homage to classic boats. Their latest model, the Firmship 55, draws inspiration from the forms and detailing of archetypal workboats like fishing boats. To promote the brand, Firmship has embarked on a unique approach called “firmshipping,” where they reimagine products from other brands that share their design philosophy. The Land Rover Defender is the first product to undergo this transformation, aligning with Firmship’s commitment to revising iconic archetypes with cutting-edge technology.

Connecting with Iconic Design: The Collaboration with Land Rover

Casper Vissers believes in connecting with “firm” brands that have already established iconic designs. The Land Rover Defender, launched in 1948, is a prime example of such an object. Initially, the Jaguar Land Rover brand was not involved in the customization process. Vissers’ team independently purchased a Defender and “firmshipped” it to reflect Firmship’s design philosophy. However, the result caught the attention of Jaguar Land Rover BeNeLux CEO Marc Bienemann, leading to the possibility of ordering the limited-edition Defender through participating dealerships.

Interior Harmony: Minimalism and Clever Details

The interior of the Firmship Defender is designed to harmonize with its stripped-back exterior. Leather and fabric seats feature horizontal ribbing, paying homage to the early Defenders. Job Smeets, known for his more provocative work with Studio Job, embraces minimalism as a new palette for this collaboration. While still incorporating clever details and bold appearances, Smeets brings texture, stark blankness, and monochrome elements to the design of the Firmship Defender.

Conclusion: The limited-edition Land Rover Defender created through the collaboration between Job Smeets and Firmship showcases a unique blend of minimalism, historical references, and luxury design. With its monochrome aesthetics, durability, and versatile appeal, this SUV stands as a testament to the enduring nature of iconic design. As Firmship continues to “firmship” products from other brands, the Firmship Defender sets the stage for future collaborations that embrace longevity, innovation, and the reinvention of classic archetypes.