Two-Millionth Land Rover Defender makes final public appearance at Dubai International Motor Show 2015

Land Rover MENA showcased 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 (DIMS) 2015. The final destination on the custom-built vehicle’s schedule of public appearances, DIMS 2015 was held from 10 to 14 November, 2015 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. As the production of the current Defender enters its final phase, the Defender 2,000,000 was built to commemorate the UK production of the two-millionth Series Land Rover and Defender.

The Defender 2,000,000 celebrates 67 years of iconic Land Rover production. With a bespoke design and an all-star cast of special guests who helped complete the momentous build, 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, transfer knob, hand brake and door casings. A unique ‘no 2,000,000’ badge sits on the rear of the vehicle and on the interior console.

Visitors to the DIMS Land Rover MENA stand were able to take a closer look at this unique piece before it is auctioned in a prestigious charity event, scheduled to occur at Bonhams in London on 16 December, 2015. 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 and the Born Free Foundation.

Deeply rooted in the region, the Defender has long been present alongside the pioneering and visionary individuals who have shaped the Middle Eastern landscape. In 1954, Land Rover donated the first Defender long wheel-base Series 1 for use by the British Red Cross in Dubai; it was modified for use as a mobile dispensary, utilizing special ‘mattress’ devices created to stop the wheels from sinking into desert sands. The vehicle acted as a mobile clinic for more than 5,000 patients - including pilgrims on their way to and from Mecca - travelling more than 17,000 miles across the desert in the process.

“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,” said John Edwards, Managing Director at Special Vehicle Operations, Jaguar Land Rover.