World Land Rover day announced with French Alps outline

World Land Rover day has been announced by the British off-road specialist — in spectacular fashion.

The firm has teamed up with snow artist Simon Beck to create a giant drawing of the original Defender — then just known as the Land Rover — on the side of a mountain in the French Alps, stretching over 250 metres.

Beck drove a Defender close to the 2,700 metre mark of the location of the sketch, before walking 20,849 steps in creating the artwork.

He said: “Making my snow art requires endurance, accuracy and strength – all attributes shared with the Defender. Its iconic shape is so simple and recognised across the world; this must be the most recognisable piece of art I’ve ever made.”

World Land Rover day will take place on April 30 — exactly 70 years to the day since the original Land Rover was revealed at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show.

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The snow sketch is a tribute to one drawn by Rover’s engineering director Maurice Wilks in the sand at Red Wharf Bay, which he used to propose the idea of the Land Rover to his brother — and managing director of Rover — Spencer Wilks.

Ralf Speth, chief executive officer of Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Land Rover is an iconic brand around the world and the outline of the Defender is instantly recognisable.

“To reach the landmark of 70 years is truly special and we will mark it with a year of celebrations that represents Land Rover's ‘Above and Beyond’ spirit and honours the people behind the world’s favourite SUVs.”