This year marks a milestone for Land Rover because the model turns 70, and it has so much deliberate for the celebrations.
On Wednesday, Land Rover shared a part of what it has in retailer to mark the event, which features a sequence of occasions and particular celebrations. Maybe probably the most important shall be a year-long restoration effort to carry a pre-production model of the unique 1948 Land Rover again to life.
Referred to as the “lacking” Land Rover, it is one in every of three 1948 demonstration autos used on the 1948 Amsterdam auto present. It was final pushed within the 1960s earlier than it disappeared. Twenty years later, it confirmed up in a Welsh area and a restorer bought the particular Land Rover. Like so many initiatives, the automotive nonetheless sat idle in a backyard till specialists at Jaguar Land Rover Basic researched the SUV to substantiate its historic significance.
Now beneath Land Rover’s care, the model will take the yr to totally restore the 1948 mannequin, although it will not be a easy activity. That is as a result of the pre-production car bears many variations to the Land Rover that may enter mass manufacturing, together with thicker aluminium alloy physique panels, a galvanised chassis, and a detachable rear tub.
By way of all of the work, the staff will protect the unique Gentle Inexperienced paint utilised in 1948. And on the finish of the restoration, the aim is to place the historic automotive again on the street in full working order.
What else does Land Rover have in retailer? A redesigned Defender. Sure, it is anticipated the model will reveal the brand new 2020 Defender by the top of 2018 to cap off the anniversary celebrations. The brand new Defender will mark a serious pivot from the unique mannequin, although it ought to nonetheless retain the potential Defender loyalists know and love. Simply do not count on a retro design.
