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.

Hiroshima Express

One of the rarest Mazdas,and amongst one of the rarest production cars in the World, a 1967 Series 1, Cosmo made its public debut at the 2025 Cromwell Classic and Hot Rod Car Show on Saturday January 18 this year.
After a challenging 5-year restoration, its proud Cromwell owner, Mike Elford celebrated its appearance along with Dunedin specialist, Mazda rotary engine builder, Cory Wilson who trallered the car through to the show.
“There are a number of details still to attend to and fine-tune the engine and then it will at last be finished. I’m very pleased with the result,” Cory said.
Mike is extremely pleased with the end now in sight of what has been a very challenging project. The tiny jewel of Japanese motoring engenuity attracted many on-lookers at the show as it sat glistening in the sun on an appropriately brilliant Central Otago summer’s day.

Merry Christmas from NZ Classic Car magazine

The Classic Car magazine team is taking a few weeks’ holiday from the work computer and heading to the beach for some kickback time.
Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful summer holiday to all our readers, followers, and fans. Enjoy this special extra time with the family. We will be posting archive articles again in mid to late January.
Have fun, be good and be careful out there.