Defining Defender’s auction

A unique bespoke-designed vehicle has been built to commemorate the production of the two-millionth Series Land Rover and Defender and it will be sold to raise funds for good causes.

The ‘Defender 2,000,000’ has also been created to act as a tribute to almost seven decades of Land Rover production at the Solihull plant in the UK.

In December, car collectors and Defender fans will be given the opportunity to own the unique piece of Land Rover’s history when it is auctioned. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to 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 the Defender enters its final phase of manufacturing in Solihull. Giving people the chance to buy this truly distinctive vehicle 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.”

Recently, a team of life-long Defender fans were invited to join the Solihull production line to help build it. Representatives from the charities also made the journey to the plant to fit their part to the vehicle, including actress and founder of the Born Free Foundation Virginia McKenna.

The vehicle was publicly unveiled by auctioneers Bonhams at the Goodwood Festival of Speed staged on June 25-28. After completing a schedule of public appearances, ‘Defender 2,000,000’ will be auctioned at a charity event in London on December 16.
 
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 – a reference to the first ever pre-production Land Rover, registration ‘HUE 166’ – complete this one-of-a-kind Land Rover Defender.

Production of the original Land Rover Series I began in 1947 ahead of its launch at the Amsterdam Motor Show the following year. Since then two million examples of the Series I, II III and Defender have been produced.