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Land Rover has created a truly unique vehicle to commemorate
the UK production of the two-millionth Series Land Rover and Defender, after 67
years of production.
The ‘Defender 2,000,000’ has been created as a tribute to
almost seven decades of Land Rover production in the Solihull plant and an
all-star cast of special guests were on hand to help create the bespoke,
one-off design.
Chief Executive of Jaguar Land Rover, Dr Ralph Speth, said:
“Over 67 years, the Series Land Rover and in turn Defender has been the
transport 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.”
In May 2015, several life-long Defender fans were invited to
join Dr Ralph Speth on the production line at Solihull to help build the
one-of-a-kind Defender, including world famous adventurerBear Grylls.
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.”
Joining Bear Grylls on the production line was
representatives from Land Rover’s humanitarian and conservation partners, the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the
Born Free Foundation. Born Free was represented by actress and founder, Virginia
McKenna OBE.
Other star guests included TV entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, TV
Presenter and Land Rover UK Ambassador Adam Henson, and Captain of the HMS
Defender, Commander Stephen Higham.
The ‘Defender 2,000,000’ vehicle includes a wide array of
distinctive finishing touches. A map of the Red Wharf Bay – the location where
the original Land Rover design was first drawn in the sand – has been engraved
into the aluminium fender, contrasting well with the exterior Indus Silver
satin paint. A ‘no 2,000,000’ badge features on the rear of the vehicle and
interior console and the design is completed with the addition of Santorini
Black wheels, wheel arches, roof, door hinges, grille and mirror caps.
The interior features leather seats with the ‘no 2,000,000’ logo
and the ‘Red Wharf Bay’ graphic embroided onto the headrests. An aluminium
plaque, signed by everyone who played a part in the creation of the vehicle,
has been fitted to the driver’s seat plinth. S90 HUE registration plates on the
front and rear provide a reference to the first ever pre-production Land Rover,
registration ‘HUE 166’.
Defender fans and Collectors will have the opportunity to
own this unique slice of Land Rover history when it is auctioned by globally
renowned auction house, Bonhams, in December 2015. All proceeds from the
auction will be donated to the IFRC and the Born Free Foundation.
Robert Brooks, Bonhams Chairman, said: “Bonhams and Land Rover are quintessentially British brands, and so we are delighted to be auctioning the two-millionth Series Land Rover and Defender on 16 th December at our global headquarters in New Bond Street. It’s an honour to offer this landmark vehicle and I’ve no doubt there will be some spirited bidding.”