The last Land Rover Defender has rolled off the firm’s production line in Solihull today, 68 years after the iconic off-roader first went on sale.
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Over its incredible lifespan, the Defender has been sold across the world, earning a reputation for reliability and ruggedness, as well as a go-anywhere spirit.
Few other cars have managed to attract drivers from such a wide variety of backgrounds. Owners have ranged from members of the Royal Family to farmers and the military. It’s a testament to the Defender’s broad appeal and diverse range of talents.
In the 21st century, the car’s old-school character has become a big part of its charm, and there’s little doubt the Defender is comfortably ranked among the most iconic vehicles of all time.
Land Rover plans to build a replacement for the Defender as early as 2018. Details are slim, but the firm has suggested the new car will be significantly more cost effective to produce and far more efficient to run than the original.
To mark the end of the original Defender’s production life, we followed the very last cars as they were built in Solihull. Autocar editor in chief Steve Cropley and head of video Matt Prior were both on location to follow the last cars along the line.
Arriving in Solihull, Cropley said many of Land Rover's faithful fans had gathered to see the last Defenders being built. "There's a strangely festive air," says Cropley, "rather than any sadness. 'Old faithful' has plenty of friends."
Once inside, Prior had this to say: "Such is the way Defenders are built they've been on the line for a couple of days already, line workers left with nothing to build slowly trailing down the line behind them.
"It's worth remembering what has brought us here. Age has finally caught up with the Land Rover. Were it not for a loyal following that has kept the line bubbling along at around 18,000 cars a year it would have happened years ago.
"This morning the final 15 cars, a mix of short and long wheelbase cars, the final one a 90 in Heritage spec - a soft top like the very first Land Rover [pictured below]. And then it'll be done, until its replacement. But more on that another time."
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The British Hindustan Ambassador?
bezor Ta wrote: So basically
AND my friend you have just about hit the nail on the head - this manner of doing business and production was the ultimate reason why we no longer have a motor industry we can really call our own. Totally defunct management enjoying their cigars, pheasant shoots and country mansions whilst Joe bloggs slaved in the factory ill equipped and all done with the belief that "It is BRITISH and therefore everyone will buy it".. sickening from our grandfathers and our fathers all responsible for screwing up our financial wealth and leadership in the world. How many firsts did British engineers manage and then lose it to other more intelligent manufacturers - like Radar - TV and many many other greats
My first ever solo drive
"There's the keys lad. Off you go !!" OMG 9 years old couldnt reach the peddles properly and I broke into a 29 year old true sweat trying to release that awful button tipped handbrake! I trundled the whole afternoon up and down. Joy of Joys - I am solo driver !! A memory I hold dear to me - The year?? 1954 and the Landy was brand new :-) After this I was down on the farm every day honing my skills, attaching trailers (those wonderful things called muck spreaders!!!) anything to practice. Those days were invaluable. If I had my way every learner aspiring driver to be should be put in a Landy in a big field and given the keys for a day
The Defender