Celebrating almost seven decades of iconic Land Rover production, a unique vehicle has been built to commemorate the UK manufacture of the two-millionth Series Land Rover and Defender.
A bespoke design and an all-star cast of special guests helped to complete the landmark build, paying tribute to 67 years of Land Rover production in the Solihull plant.
In December 2015, collectors and Defender fans will be given the opportunity to own the one-off piece of automotive history when it is auctioned by Bonhams, with all proceeds being donated to the firm’s humanitarian and conservation partners – the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Born Free Foundation.
Chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover, Dr Ralf Speth, commented: “The Series Land Rover and in turn Defender has been the transport of choice for explorers, charity organisations, farmers and even royalty.
“Throughout history is has helped pioneers to reach the unreachable. What started life as an agricultural workhorse has transcended the automotive world to become a worldwide design icon.”
During May 2015, a team of life-long Defender fans were invited to join the Solihull production line to help build this one-of-a-kind vehicle, including adventurer Bear Grylls.
He noted; “The Land Rover Defender has been there for me more times than I care to remember. They are so often the unsung heroes of our TV shows, working hard in the toughest conditions to get crew in and out of exceptionally challenging terrains.”
The Defender 2,000,000 vehicle features a number of distinctive finishing touches, including a map of the Red Wharf Bay – where the design for the original Land Rover was drawn in the sand – engraved into the aluminium fender.
The vehicle is due to be publicly unveiled by Bonhams at Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 25 – 28).
