Ive actually grown to like the Signature Graphic in body color. One of the cool and unique design aspects of the Defender is that it has a boxy, square, rugged design. Over time I have come to appreciate the designers use of the Signature Graphic as a styling cue to reinforce the boxy nature of the Defender. I started noticing it when I was searching for used Defenders and something about two different defenders would catch my eye…but I couldn’t quite tell what it was. Then I realized that the ones with the signature graphic seemed - to me at least - to appear boxier. Maybe I am weird! Lol

 

I like the square myself, always did from the very first time the new 110 came out - liked it on my old silver HSE and like it on my newly acquired black 110 X (which is admittedly the color to get if you truly hate that panel - it becomes virtually invisible on Santorini Black paint.) I recently had the black 110X sides wrapped with satin PPF and actually thought the black signature square needed to "pop" a bit more, so added a Union Jack vinyl graphic on it (the square on other side of the car is mostly covered by the molle plate and RotoPax fuel cans anyway, so I left that one alone.)

I think that panel looks kind of silly and pointless on the shorter 90 however (especially since it blocks the view of rear passengers, it darkens the interior and makes the car look more pokey than it is), and I see most owners order it without. I have never seen a 130 in the flesh without the panel so I don't really have an opinion, but I suspect that without something to break the monotony of that long pane of glass, I would not like it.

 

@umbertob “…the monotony of that long pane of glass” That is a perfect description and exactly what I should have described. Especially with a black contrast roof. All that black glass and black roof with no body color to break it up just looks to “monotonous”. By no means am I dis’n Defenders that don’t have the graphic. Just saying it’s funny how our brains are all wired to appreciate and see things differently. Good thing is that that no matter your preference, it is easy to change.

 

@umbertob If you don’t mind, what did the satin wrap run you? (I can PM if you prefer). Looks good

 

$1900. No roof, hood or rear door.

 

Ok, not as bad as I thought. Maybe if add the hood and rear door it would be around $2600-3000. Considering factor option is over $5k now...not bad at all