KUALA LUMPUR: Call it the last hurrah! Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is organising a roadshow to celebrate the Land Rover Defender as part of a tribute to the iconic 4X4 vehicle.
The Land Rover Defender Rover Team’s roadshow will visit more than 14 selected locations including malls, business districts, popular cafes and other popular hangouts in the Klang Valley and Penang from April 23 till May 1.
The roadshow will feature two Defenders equipped with two Final Edition Defender Accessories Packages to suit different lifestyles – adventure or urban.
Visitors to the location can sign up for test drives and upload #CelebrateDefenderMy Instagram posts, take up the Defender Hill Climb Challenge on iPad and other games to win various collectibles.
According to Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) managing director Datuk Aishah Ahmad, the roadshow marked the end of an era for the much-loved off-roader.
“Production of the Land Rover Defender officially ceased globally when the last of the current Defenders left the assembly line at its Solihull production facility in England on Jan 29, 2016. What we have here in Malaysia is truly the last batch of this incredibly versatile vehicle with a history that spans 68 years. Therefore, it is the last chance to own a piece of heritage,” she said.
The Land Rover Defender Limited Edition, available locally since November last year, will be customised to order and available from any Sime Darby AutoConneXion Sdn Bhd or SISMA Auto Sdn Bhd authorised dealerships. It is priced at RM153,888.00 plus RM65,388.00 for the Limited Edition Accessories Package, inclusive of labour charges and GST.
More than two million Series Land Rovers and Defenders have been built in Solihull since 1948. What began as simply a line drawing in the sand has gone on to become one of the world's most iconic 4x4s, earning the accolade of being the most versatile vehicle on the planet, capable of taking owners to places other vehicles could not reach.
The Land Rover Defender began its life in 1948 as the Series I, at a time when post-war Britain was struggling with a shortage of steel, which explains the use of aluminium for its bodyshell. Created by brothers Spencer and Maurice Wilks, the Land Rover was originally designed primarily for farming and agricultural use.
Changes followed and in 1958, the Series II brought about a new design and engine updates, including an advanced diesel engine which remained in service until the mid-1980s. Sales reached half a million by 1966, while annual production peaked in 1971 with 56,000 units. During the 1970s, the Series III continued to sell as well as its predecessor, a testament to its enduring appeal. The vehicle earned its new name, Defender, in 1990, which was fitting for a vehicle previously only referred to by its wheelbase length and Series number.
Part of the Land Rover's appeal came from the endless variants that were created off the basic platform, including models as diverse as fire engines, lorry-like Forward Control vehicles, cherry pickers and even an amphibious car capable of floating on water. Over its 68 year history, it has been a vehicle driven by everyone from farmers and famous explorers, to royalty.
