A British Land Rover enthusiast has launched a crowd-funding project to save the commemorative two millionth Land Rover Defender for the nation.
Next February, production of one of the world’s most famous 4x4s will end after 67 years, and the Defender 2,000,000 is due to be flogged by auction house Bonhams tomorrow evening.
Assembled earlier this year by 33 Land Rover brand ambassadors and enthusiasts, including Bear Grylls, proceeds from the vehicle's auction will be donated to Land Rover’s charity partners.
However, Brian Reynolds has set up his crowdfunding project because he believes that such a special vehicle should be saved for the nation as testament to Britain’s design and engineering heritage.
Reynolds, who has owned and driven Land Rover vehicles for all of his life, feels as though the Defender should stay in the country and be made available for future generations to experience.
He estimates that he’ll need to generate around £100,000 to secure the 2,000,000th vehicle, but argues that the more money there is, the better the chances of successfully buying it.
No money will be taken from volunteers unless the project reaches its £100,000 target, and Mr Reynolds says that any surplus money will be donated to the same charities Land Rover is supporting.
Roger Crathorne, one of the best known and most highly respected employees in Land Rover history, will be on hand at tomorrow’s auction to talk to visitors and guide them through the exhibition.
He said: “The Series Land Rover and Defender have played a huge role in the lives of people all over the world for almost 70 years and to be able to offer it a fitting send-off as it nears the end of production is an honour.
“Through the exhibition we have really got under the skin of just what has made Defender such a loved vehicle. We hope that it brings to life the richness of the vehicle’s heritage and why it has had such longevity.”
The commemorative Land Rover can be viewed at the Bonhams’ showroom in Bond Street in London today and tomorrow, with the auction due to start at 6pm tomorrow.