Land Rover marks 65years of technology and innovation with a celebratory event at Packington Estate near its Solihull homeland. A ‘HUE’ birthday cake was flown in by special delivery in a Lynx helicopter by a member of the ‘Black Cats’ Royal Navy display team, renowned for thrilling audiences with their dynamic air displays.
The occasion also set the scene for the debut of a Special Edition Defender – the LXV (65 in roman numerals). Defender evolved from the original Land Rover in 1990 and this iconic family of utility vehicles – Land Rover Series I, II, III and Defender – has now sold in excess of two million units. Available in five different body styles, the LXV is based on the standard Land Rover Defender which is equipped with the 2.2-litre diesel engine and 6-speed manual transmission, producing 122PS@3,500rpm of power and 360Nm@2,000rpm of torque.
This striking Special Edition sports 16-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels and comes in Santorini Black or Fuji White with contrast Corris Grey roof, grille and headlight surrounds and facia. The interior boasts exclusive full leather seats with LXV embossed front headrests and unique orange contrast stitching on the seats, steering wheel and centre cubby compartment to complement exterior LXV decals. An optional union flag decal can be located on the rear of the vehicle. Prices will be available in August.
John Edwards, Land Rover’s Global Brand Director says: “Land Rover is celebrating 65 years of proud heritage. It is in fact a dual celebration, as March saw Land Rover deliver the strongest ever monthly and quarterly sales performance in its history.
“Since 1948, every component in our vehicles has been designed and engineered with intent and Land Rover continues to this day, to build the world’s most capable all-purpose vehicles. A blend of refinement, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability make Land Rover vehicles distinctive and unique, ready to tackle the world’s most challenging and inhospitable terrain.”
John Edwards continues: “The all-new Range Rover and Range Rover Sport are the result of unprecedented investment in technology, in engineering and in our manufacturing facilities to produce the world’s first SUVs with a lightweight aluminium body structure. Investing in innovation has always been the lifeblood of Land Rover and we will continue to develop innovative new technology and sustainable motoring solutions for the future, whilst retaining the class-leading and legendary breadth of capability that Land Rover’s heritage is built upon.”
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- Jaguar Land Rover CEO Dr Ralf Speth is pictured with Land Rover’s longest serving employee, Roger Crathorne, receiving the cake at Packington Estate.
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- Pictured from left to right: 1948 Land Rover Series I, Land Rover Series I Overland Expedition Replica, Land Rover Series II, Land Rover Series III, 1970 Range Rover, 1997 Freelander, 2003 Discovery G4 Expedition specification vehicle and the 2013 Defender LXV Special Edition.
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- Land Rover’s Forest Rover being tested at Packington House in the early 1960’s contrasted with the new Defender LXV Special Edition on the banks of Packington Lake.
News Source: Land Rover
