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Iconic Land Rover Defender reaches 2,000,000 milestone

24 June, 2015

Poised alongside other historic motors like the Mini Cooper and the Ford Mustang, Land Rover’s immortal Defender will be hitting a unique milestone in 2015 — the 2,000,000th variant of the plucky paddock basher is planned to roll off the production line later this year.

After debuting more than 60 years ago in 1953, the Defender has stood the test of time and continues to be regarded as one of the most potent and indestructible off-roaders in history, and, perhaps more poignantly, one of the most unshakable symbols for British automotive engineering.

With production of the popular platform scheduled to cease by the end of the year, Land Rover have made a great effort to give the Defender a memorable final hurrah — recruiting a comprehensive list of personalities and brand ambassadors to take part in the production of ‘Defender 2,000,000’; including adventurer Bear Grylls, entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, and a number of competitors from the Invictus Games — a sporting event for servicemen and servicewomen returning from war zones with disabilities.

Check out Land Rover’s video tribute to both the Defender, and those taking part in the build, below.

Job opportunity – upholster needed urgently!

18 March, 2026

HELP!
Bren Mathers and Scott Flynn from Suite Southern Upholstery and Auto Trim urgently require assistance from someone with a knack for upholstery.
“We would prefer someone who is already trained in upholstery skills or has the skills to do the work,” Bren said.
Based in Dipton, in rural Northern Southland, the on-the-go business is expanding with a new sample room and extra sheds.
Suite Southern Upholstery carries out a range of upholstery work, from automotive and household furniture and craftwork to marine work.
They currently have eight cars booked in for work, so expect to be busy!
The business has a great reputation for the quality of its work throughout the classic car network, and as far away as Auckland.
If you want to work for a great firm full-time or hours to suit, in a peaceful country work environment, give Bren or Scott a call on 021 685 157
or 03 214 0523.
Check them out on Facebook!

Breakfast of champions – Brink

17 March, 2026

Some older readers may recall the amusing late 60s advertisement for a breakfast drink using World Champion racing driver Graham Hill which was made while he was out here competing in the Tasman Series.
“Drink Brink” was the phrase, subtly altered by Graham’s characteristic lisp into “Dwink Bwinkl” which drew a grin or two.
Southland Mini racing enthusiast Howard Kingsford-Smith has preserved a little bit of Mini racing history when he re-created the “Brink Mini” some 25 years ago.
“I bought what remained of the original car and made a replica I suppose or look-a-like of the original Brink Mini from Cathy Henderson about 25 years ago,” Howard explained.