Two million of anything is a significant milestone, but in terms of vehicle production it is cause for celebration.
For 67 years, Land Rover has been building the world’s most capable, go anywhere SUVs. For their two millionth model they chose the iconic Defender and invited the press to witness its assembly. Back in May, they invited 33 former employees and Defender enthusiasts to join the assembly line for this historic build.
In a video uploaded to their YouTube page June 21, you can watch as this custom Defender takes shape. Even Bear Grylls was on hand to wax poetic about this timeless 4WD.
The build was executed by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team, as it was certainly a special build. A Defender 90 Station Wagon, it was designed by Gerry McGover, Land Rover’s design director and chief creative officer, and combines the heritage of the Series Land Rovers with the finishing touches found in today’s Defender Autobiographies.
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In a press release this morning, Jaguar Land Rover announced that Bonhams will be auctioning this piece of history in December with proceeds going to charity. This will be a fitting sendoff for the classic Defender, as the next generation will debut in early 2016.
(See Also: Land Rover Range Rover Celebrates 45th Anniversary)
Our dealers have been hinting that the upcoming model will conform to crash and safety regulations worldwide, and that a US-spec version is not out of the question. If Customs Agents have seized and crushed your Defender, a new one may be heading our way. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more Land Rover and Defender updates.
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(Source: Jaguar Land Rover, YouTube)
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