- World's most iconic vehicle drawn on huge 1km scale on the same
beach used to sketch the original design 68 years ago:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/4roB2KHK3PE
- Heritage and Adventure Limited Edition Defenders announced for
Australia
Sydney, Australia, January 7 2015 - Land Rover
has gone back to the place where it all began to start a year-long
celebration of the iconic Defender. A unique 1km sand drawing at
Red Wharf Bay in Anglesey, UK, marks the launch of two exclusive
limited edition models and the beginning of an exciting new chapter
in the Defender story.
As UK production of the current Defender enters its final phase,
Land Rover will use 2015 to celebrate its global automotive icon
and look ahead to an all-new family of Defenders.
Land Rover Vehicle Line Director Nick Rogers explains the
significance of recreating one of the world's most iconic vehicles:
"Passion and enthusiasm surround everything we do with
Defender, and that will never change. With a history stretching
back 68 years, this is a Land Rover that has thrived for decades on
its unquestionable capability and iconic shape. I am now lucky
enough to be one of the many enthusiasts at Land Rover committed to
creating a fitting successor to the legendary Defender."
To mark the announcement Land Rover has created the largest sand
drawing ever produced in the UK. A Defender outline measuring a
staggering 1km across was drawn on the beach at Red Wharf Bay in
Anglesey using a fleet of six Land Rovers. The unique image is a
tribute to the moment in 1947 when the engineering director of
Rover, Maurice Wilks, first sketched the shape for the original
Land Rover in the sand of Red Wharf Bay and proposed the idea to
his brother Spencer, Rover's managing director.
"My father met his brother on the beach at Red Wharf Bay and
made a drawing in the sand of how he thought the Land Rover could
be made," said Stephen Wilks, son of Maurice. "That was
the start of it all, the conception of Land Rover."
The Wilks family owned land on the Welsh island and Maurice
wanted a versatile vehicle that could double as a light tractor and
off-roader. His forward-thinking design was christened the 'Land
Rover', the outline of which we now recognise as the Defender.
Creating the giant piece of temporary artwork at Red Wharf Bay
required a fleet of six Land Rovers, each towing an agricultural
12-foot harrow to draw the unmistakable outline of the Defender in
the sand. The vehicles chosen for the race against the Anglesey
tides chart the evolution of the Defender from its introduction in
1948 to the present day.
A Land Rover Series I, II and III were joined on the beach by a
Ninety from the Eighties, a Defender 90 Hard Top and a Defender 110
Station Wagon. The immaculate Series II once belonged to the Wilks
family and in memory of the moment originally enacted by their
fathers, cousins Stephen and Nick Wilks, the sons of Maurice and
Spencer Wilks respectively, were on hand to take part. They helped
to draw the continuous 4.52km line - the length of 1,118 Defender
90 Station Wagons - into the sand with just minutes to spare before
it was erased by the incoming tide.
The event witnessed the debut of the Defender Celebration
Series; two exciting new limited edition models which each
celebrate a different element of Defender's unique history. The
Heritage and Adventure Editions are all powered by Land Rover's
proven 2.2-litre diesel engine and are available to order now with
numbers strictly limited.
Limited Edition Defenders
The two hotly anticipated limited edition Defender models celebrate
a different element of the vehicle's versatile character.
"We wanted to mark the end of Defender production at
Solihull with a special edition but coming up with a single
identity was impossible, so we developed two very different
interpretations of the Defender to reflect its strength and breadth
of character," said Nick Rogers. "Whether our customers
want to celebrate Land Rover's unrivalled off-road heritage, demand
the ultimate in terms of design and performance or have a genuine
thirst for adventure, there will be a limited edition Defender that
will be fit for purpose."
The Heritage Edition is inspired by early Land
Rover models and mixes nostalgic design cues with modern creature
comforts. It will be available in global markets and is identified
by distinctive Grasmere Green paintwork and a contrasting white
roof. A heritage grille and HUE 166 graphics, recalling the
registration plate of the first ever pre-production Land Rover
nicknamed 'Huey', also identify the Heritage model. It hits
showrooms from November with production limited to 2,654 globally.
Australian prices to be announced Q2 2015.
The exciting new Adventure Edition also arrives
in dealerships from November. The Adventure Edition will be
available in global markets and is aimed at Land Rover customers
who relish the great outdoors and embrace the Defender's 'go
anywhere, do anything' attitude. It comes fitted with additional
underbody protection and Goodyear MT/R tyres to boost the
Defender's already class-leading all-terrain capability. Unique
decals and a leather-trimmed cabin ensure the Adventure Edition
stands out from the Defender crowd. A total of 2,277 Adventure
Editions are available globally. Australian prices to be announced
Q2 2015.
Click here to see the limited edition models revealed as Land
Rover creates the biggest sand drawing ever made in the UK:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/4roB2KHK3PE
For further information contact:
Editors Notes
LIMITED EDITIONS IN DETAIL
Heritage Edition
The Heritage Edition evokes the history of the Defender as a modern
interpretation of the famous HUE 166 Land Rover - the first
pre-production Series I vehicle, nicknamed 'Huey', which dates back
to 1947. Traditionalists will appreciate the Grasmere Green
metallic paintwork, Alaska White roof, heritage style grille,
headlamp surrounds and heavy-duty steel wheels. Other nostalgic
additions include the silver front bumper with black end caps while
clear indicator lenses and Indus Silver door hinges also set the
Heritage Edition apart. Body-coloured wheel arches and mudflaps
bearing the Heritage logo also feature.
Externally, the finishing touch comes in the shape of aluminium
heritage style badging to the front grille and rear bodywork, which
is inspired by the designs fitted to the Series I and II models.
Evocative HUE 166 graphics also adorn the front wing panels.
While the exterior pays homage to the earliest Land Rovers, the
Heritage Edition features a host of modern creature comforts and
luxurious finishes inside. They include perforated leather outer
steering wheel rim and gear lever, Bright Aluminium trim for the
air vents, door handles and door locks, and Almond Resolve Cloth
seat facings bearing the heritage logo and detailed with HUE 166
tags.
Durable rubber floor mats and a padded cubby box between the
front seats ensure the Heritage Edition is as functional as it is
distinctive.
Heritage Edition models will be available in both 90 and 110
bodystyles, but with a total production run of only 2,654 vehicles
globally, the distinctive limited edition is sure to be a highly
sought-after addition to the line-up.
Summary
On sale: from November 2015
Number available: 2,654 globally
Bodystyles: 90 Station Wagon and 110 Station Wagon
Key features:
- Unique Grasmere Green metallic paintwork with body colour wheel
arches
- Unique Alaska White roof
- Silver front bumper with black end caps
- Heritage style front grille and headlamp surrounds
- Body coloured heavy duty steel wheels
- Clear indicator lenses
- Indus Silver door hinges
- Heritage style badges
- Heritage logo mudflaps
- HUE 166 graphics
- Bright aluminium finish clock and air vent bezels
- Aluminium interior door handles and door locks
- Perforated leather outer steering wheel rim, gear knob and
handbrake lever
- Almond Resolve Cloth upholstery with Ebony Vinyl sides and
backs, with HUE tags
- Padded cubby box with Almond Cloth lid
- Heritage logo rubber floor mats
Adventure Edition
The Defender has helped to establish Land Rover's credentials as
the expedition vehicle of choice and the Adventure Edition is
designed for customers who want to explore.
To enhance the Defender's already impressive off-road
credentials, the Adventure Edition features distinctive new
underbody protection for the side sills and engine sump, while
Goodyear MT/R tyres promise to make the most of whatever grip is on
offer.
The Adventure Edition comes in choice of three striking metallic
colour options, which include Corris Grey, Yulong White and Phoenix
Orange. All feature contrasting Santorini Black paint for the
Adventure grille and its surround, the bonnet, roof and rear door,
plus the headlamp surrounds and wheel arches.
Seven-inch LED projector headlamps, clear front indicators and
Gloss Black split-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels also
distinguish the expedition-inspired model.
The front wings feature 90 and 110 decals.
The focus is firmly on comfort inside, where the Adventure
Edition promises to provide high quality shelter from the elements.
Premium seats with Windsor Leather upholstery available in four
different colourways, perforated leather inserts and contrast
stitching all add a touch of luxury. They are complemented by the
leather-trimmed steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever and
Bright Aluminium interior trim.
High quality Windsor Leather also features on the passenger
facia and instrument panel while leather trim on the doors and grab
handles, Ebony headlining and bespoke carpet mats complete the
look.
Summary
On sale: from November 2015
Number available: 2,277 globally
Bodystyles: 90 Station Wagon and 110 Station Wagon
Key features:
- Corris Grey, Yulong White or Phoenix Orange paintwork
- Santorini Black 'Adventure' grille, wheel arches, bonnet, roof,
and rear door
- Seven-inch LED projector headlamps
- Clear indicator lenses
- Underbody sill and sump protectors
- Atlas 'Defender' bonnet script
- Gloss Black split-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels
- Goodyear MT/R tyres with white lettering
- Bright Pack
- Decals on front wings
- Windsor Leather upholstery
- Windsor Leather front passenger facia
- Leather trimmed door panels
- Bright Aluminium finish clock and air vent bezels
- Aluminium interior door handles and door locks
- Bright finish and rubber pedals
- Santorini Black centre console
- Fully wrapped leather steering wheel
- Perforated leather gear knobs, handbrake lever and grab
handles
- Ebony Alston headlining
- Heritage logo carpet floor mats
LAND ROVER
Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that
represent true 'breadth of capability' across the model range.
Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and
Range Rover Evoque each define the world's 4x4 sectors, with 80% of
this model range exported to over 170 countries.
SIXTY-SEVEN YEARS OF LAND ROVER
From our earliest days, the desire to create a vehicle that will
tackle any terrain has made Land Rover famous around the world.
Over the past 67 years, the Land Rover family has grown into the
highly respected range of vehicles that are sold in record numbers
today and the Defender can trace its roots back to the very first
models to roll off the Solihull production line at Lode Lane in
Birmingham.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
1947 Land Rover project approved
1948 The Land Rover is launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show on 30th
April
1948 First Station Wagon introduced.
1949 British Army orders its first Land Rovers
1950 Freewheel 4x4 system replaced by selectable two or
four-wheel-drive
1953 Long-wheelbase version introduced
1957 Diesel engine introduced
1958 Series II Land Rover unveiled with more refined styling
1959 250,000th vehicle produced
1961 Series IIA with 2.25 diesel
1966 500,000th vehicle produced
1968 Headlights move position to the front wings
1970 Best year of sales with 56,663 vehicles retailed
1971 Land Rover Series III launched; 750,000th Land Rover
produced
1976 1,000,000th Land Rover built
1979 V8 engine option introduced in March
1983 Land Rover goes coil sprung with introduction of One Ten
1984 Land Rover Ninety introduced
1990 Land Rovers are re-launched and renamed Defender 90, 110 and
130 with new 2.5- litre turbo-charged direct injection diesel
engine
1992 Land Rover North America is founded with a limited edition of
500 Defender 110 vehicles powered by the 3.9 litre V8 engine
1993 Land Rover North America follows up the success of the launch
of the Defender 110 with the Defender 90 soft top
2007 Major Defender evolution includes addition of six-speed
gearbox
2012 New 2.2-litre diesel engine replaces previous 2.4-litre
unit
2013 LXV Special Edition celebrates 65 years of Land Rover
SAND IN YOUR EYE
Sand In Your Eye specialises in making unique drawings and
sculptures using sand and ice. From carving the famous Ice Hotel in
Finland to etching giant Land Rovers at Red Wharf Bay, Jamie
Wardley and his team travel the world creating amazing artwork
using sand and water. The artists from Sand In Your Eye carefully
plotted the outline of the Defender with the aid of GPS technology
before the Land Rovers were deployed to draw the shape using the
harrows.
1KM SAND DRAWING - VEHICLE DETAILS
- 1951 Series I, 80-inch, 2.0-litre petrol, YFO 914
- 1965 Series II, 2.25-litre petrol. Once the property of Spencer
Wilks and used at his holiday retreat on the Isle of Islay in
Scotland, GXC 639C
- 1980 Series III Station Wagon, 109-inch, 2,286cc petrol, MJP
936W
- 1984 Ninety Truck Cab, 2,286cc petrol, B540 LPD
- 2011 110 Station Wagon, 2.4-litre diesel, VX61 BVN
- 2014 90 Hard Top, 2.2-litre diesel, VN14 EYR
MAURICE WILKS
Maurice Wilks is famously known as one of the minds behind the
project that led to the development of the Land Rover. In 1930,
Maurice Wilks joined his brother, Spencer, at Rover as Chief
Engineer, eventually reaching the position of Engineering Director.
After World War II, Maurice Wilks saw the potential for an
agricultural vehicle, which could drive on the road as well as on
the land.
He met with his brother, Spencer (Rover's Managing Director), in
early 1947 to pool ideas and sketched his vision for a
multi-purpose four-wheel drive vehicle in the sand on Red Wharf
Bay. This ultimately led to the successful launch of the Land Rover
at the Amsterdam Motor Show on 30th April 1948.
Maurice oversaw all of the engineering work that was done to
bring it to production in 1948 and was promoted to chair of the
Rover Company following his brother's retirement in 1962. He died,
while still in this position, at his property in Anglesey on 8
September 1963.
STEPHEN & NICK WILKS
While Stephen Wilks pursued a career outside Land Rover, Spencer
Wilk's son Nick worked for the company from 1954-1967. He joined as
an apprentice and enjoyed a 30-month spell at Rover North America
in Toronto, Canada, as an engineer on special applications.
DEFENDER PRODUCTION LINE TOUR AND CELEBRATORY
EXHIBIT
Land Rover has launched a new visitor attraction at its Lode Lane
factory in Solihull. A guided tour of the current Defender
production line gives visitors the opportunity to witness every
aspect of the production process first-hand while the exciting
Celebration Line exhibit transports visitors back to 1948.
Tours cost £45 per person and are available on a
first come, first served basis. To arrange a visit to the home of
the Land Rover legend call: +44 (0)121 700 4619.