Motoring: Bespoke Defender celebrates seven decades of Solihull production

CELEBRITIES have joined with senior Jaguar Land Rover managers to produce a special edition of the iconic Defender to mark the production of the two millionth version of the historic vehicle.

The 67-year production run of the Land Rover and subsequent Defender will come to an end in December and the company said the bespoke vehicle had been created as a tribute to almost seven decades of production in Solihull.

The ‘Defender 2,000,000’ vehicle features a plethora of distinctive finishing touches. A map of Red Wharf Bay – where the design for the original Land Rover was first drawn in the sand – is engraved into the aluminium fender, which contrasts with the exterior Indus Silver satin paint. A unique ‘no 2,000,000’ badge sits on the rear of the vehicle, which is mirrored on the interior console. The design is finished with Santorini Black wheels and wheel arches, roof, door hinges, grille and mirror caps.

Inside, the leather seats also feature the ‘Red Wharf Bay’ graphic and ‘no 2,000,000’ logos have been stitched on the headrests. A bespoke aluminium plaque, signed by everyone who helped to assemble the vehicle is fitted to the driver’s seat plinth. On the front and rear, S90 HUE registration plates complete this one-of-a-kind Land Rover Defender.

The S90 HUE number plate references the first ever pre-production Land Rover, registration ‘HUE 166,’ nicknamed ‘Huey’.

In December, collectors and Defender fans will be given the opportunity to own this unique piece of Land Rover’s history when it is auctioned by Bonhams, with the proceeds being split between Land Rover’s humanitarian and conservation partners – the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Born Free Foundation.

Dr Ralf Speth, chief executive of Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Over 67 years, the Series Land Rover and in turn Defender has been the transport of choice for explorers, charity organisations, farmers and even royalty. Throughout history it 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.

“I was honoured to join the production line team in Solihull to help build this unique vehicle. It was a special experience which will no doubt become a fond memory.

“The auction of this milestone vehicle is an opportunity to own a piece of Land Rover’s history, as Defender enters its final phase of manufacturing in Solihull. Giving people the chance to buy this truly distinctive Defender to raise funds for the IFRC and Born Free Foundation is a suitable way to celebrate the role that Defender has played in supporting our humanitarian aid and conservation partners over the decades.”

During May this year, a team of life-long Defender fans were invited to join the Solihull production line to help build this one-of-a-kind vehicle. The guest included adventurer Bear Grylls, TV dragon and entrepreneur Theo Paphitis and Born Free Foundation founders Virginia McKenna and Will Travers.

Grylls said: “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. Known and respected by me and many other adventurers for their rugged reliability – it was an honour to be asked to take part in the build of this very special car.”

The vehicle will be publicly unveiled by Bonhams at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which begins on Thursday (June 25). After completing a schedule of public appearances throughout the rest of the year, ‘Defender 2,000,000’ will be auctioned at a prestigious charity event, held at the Bonhams auction house in New Bond Street, London on Wednesday December 16.

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