Iconic Two-Millionth Land Rover Defender Makes Final Public Appearance at Dubai International Motor Show 2015

Sunday 08 November 2015

Dubai - MENA Herald: Land Rover MENA will be showcasing the one-of-a-kind Defender 2,000,000 among its outstanding line-up of Land Rover vehicles at this year’s Dubai International Motor Show 2015.

As the production of current Defender enters its final phase, this vehicle has been built to commemorate the UK production of the two-millionth Series Land Rover and Defender. With a bespoke design and an all-star cast of special guests who helped complete the momentus build, the Defender 2,000,000 has been created to celebrate 67 years of iconic Land Rover production.

“The Land Rover Defender has been an all-time favourite for longer than I can remember. From agricultural workhorse to a worldwide design icon, the Defender has a rich history spanning almost seven decades and this milestone Defender is giving avid fans the chance to own a piece of this heritage.” says John Edwards, Managing Director, Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), Jaguar Land Rover.

Life-long Defender fans will get a final look at the Defender 2,000,000 at the Dubai International Motor Show 2015, which will be the final destination on the custom-built vehicle’s schedule of public appearances.

Visitors to the Land Rover MENA stand are invited to take a closer look at this unique piece before it is auctioned at the prestigious charity event, held at the Bonhams auction house in New Bond Street, London on Wednesday 16 December. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to Land Rover’s humanitarian and conservation partners – the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Born Free Foundation.

DEFENDER

The Series Land Rover and in turn Defender has been the transport of choice for explorers, charity organisations, farmers and even royalty. Deeply rooted in the region, the Defender has been there alongside the pioneering and visionary individuals who shaped the landscape of the Middle East.

Land Rover donated the first Defender long wheel-base Series 1 for use by the British Red Cross in Dubai in 1954.  It was modified for use as a mobile dispensary with a stretcher, water and washing facilities and storage space for drugs and equipment.  Special ‘mattress’ devices were also created to stop the wheels sinking into desert sands. 

Once out in Dubai, it was used it as a mobile clinic for over 5,000 patients - including pilgrims on their way to and from Mecca - travelling more than 17,000 miles across the desert in the process.

DEFENDER 2,000,000

The S90 HUE number plate references the first ever pre-production Land Rover, registration ‘HUE 166,’ nicknamed ‘Huey’. This Defender 90 Station Wagon was designed by Land Rover’s Design Director and Chief Creative Officer Gerry McGovern and his team and executed by Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations team.

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. Representatives from the IFRC and Born Free also made the journey to Solihull to fit their part to the vehicle, including actress and founder of the Born Free Foundation Virginia McKenna OBE.

The vehicle combines the heritage of the Series Land Rovers with the premium finishes found on today’s Defender Autobiography. Inside the vehicle, leather and machined aluminium touches complete the interior, including the fascia, steering wheel, gear knob and transfer knob, hand brake and door casings, all offering a premium finish.

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.

Land Rover’s MENA’s press conference at the Dubai International Motor Show 2015 will take place on Tuesday November 10, at 10.45am in Sheikh Saeed Hall 1 at Stand SS105.

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