Land Rover hosts Landy festival in Gauteng

Festivities started in January, when Land Rover created a giant, one kilometre drawing of Defender’s instantly recognisable silhouette on the beaches of Red Wharf Bay. This was the same location where Maurice Wilks drew an outline in the sand of the first Land Rover back in 1947. The Defender will continue to be honoured all over the world, including at this year’s Landy Festival in Gauteng. Fans there will gather to share their Defender stories, and also see off Kingsley Holgate as he embarks on another epic adventure into Africa.

Those fans can also look forward to Land Rover’s own celebration of the Defender, with the introduction of the Celebration Edition Defenders. Only 215 of these special models will be sold in South Africa. Two variants will be made available: the Defender Heritage Edition and the Defender Adventure Edition. With such limited availability, buyers can be assured that they will own truly rare and special versions of the Defender.

Only 215 of the Land Rover Heritage and Adventure editions will be sold. Picture: Supplied

The Heritage Edition is inspired by early Land Rover models. It mixes nostalgic design cues with modern creature comforts, and is immediately identifiable through its distinctive Grasmere Green paintwork and a contrasting white roof. Additional heritage touches include a classic design grille and HUE 166 graphics, recalling the registration plate of the first ever pre-production Land Rover (nicknamed ‘Huey’).

South Africa will get 130 Heritage Edition Defenders in the 110 Station Wagon body style, and 50 in the 90 Station Wagon body style. The exciting new Adventure Edition is aimed at Land Rover customers who relish the great outdoors and embrace the Defender’s ‘go anywhere, do anything’ attitude. It comes fitted with additional under-body protection and Goodyear MT/R tyres to boost the Defender’s already class-leading all-terrain capabilities.

Only 215 of the Land Rover Heritage and Adventure editions will be sold. Picture: Supplied

Unique decals and a leather-trimmed cabin ensure the Adventure Edition stands out from the Defender crowd. Of the Adventure Edition Defenders allocated to South Africa, 15 will be in the 90 Station Wagon body style, while 20 will be in the 110 Station Wagon body style.

These limited edition Defender models can be ordered at Land Rover or Jaguar Land Rover dealers across the country, and the first units will be delivered in September 2015. Pricing will be confirmed closer to availability.

Only 215 of the Land Rover Heritage and Adventure editions will be sold. Picture: Supplied

Heritage Edition

The Heritage Edition evokes the history of the Defender as a modern interpretation of the famous HUE 166 Land Rover – the first pre-production Series I vehicle, nicknamed ‘Huey’, which dates back to 1947.

Traditionalists will appreciate the Grasmere Green metallic paintwork, Alaska White roof, heritage style grille, headlamp surrounds and heavy-duty steel wheels. Other nostalgic additions include the silver front bumper with black end caps while clear indicator lenses and Indus Silver door hinges also set the Heritage Edition apart. Body-coloured wheel arches and mudflaps bearing the Heritage logo also feature.

Only 215 of the Land Rover Heritage and Adventure editions will be sold. Picture: Supplied

Externally, the finishing touch comes in the shape of aluminium heritage style badging to the front grille and rear bodywork, which is inspired by the designs fitted to the Series I and II models. HUE 166 graphics also adorn the front wing panels.

While the exterior pays homage to the earliest Land Rovers, the Heritage Edition features a host of modern creature comforts and luxurious finishes inside. They include perforated leather outer steering wheel rim and gear lever, Bright Aluminium trim for the air vents, door handles and door locks, and Almond Resolve Cloth seat facings bearing the heritage logo and detailed with HUE 166 tags.

Durable rubber floor mats and a padded cubby box between the front seats ensure the Heritage Edition is as functional as it is distinctive.

Only 215 of the Land Rover Heritage and Adventure editions will be sold. Picture: Supplied

Key features for the Heritage Edition include:

• Unique Grasmere Green metallic paintwork with body colour wheel arches.
• Unique Alaska White roof.
• Silver front bumper with black end caps.
• Heritage style front grille and headlamp surrounds.
• Body coloured heavy duty steel wheels.
• Clear indicator lenses.
• Indus Silver door hinges.
• Heritage style badges.
• Heritage logo mudflaps.
• HUE 166 graphics.
• Bright aluminium finish clock and air vent bezels.
• Aluminium interior door handles and door locks.
• Perforated leather outer steering wheel rim, gear knob and handbrake lever.
• Almond Resolve Cloth upholstery with Ebony Vinyl sides and backs, with HUE tags.
• Padded cubby box with Almond Cloth lid.
• Heritage logo rubber floor mats.

Only 215 of the Land Rover Heritage and Adventure editions will be sold. Picture: Supplied

Adventure Edition

The Defender has helped to establish Land Rover’s credentials as the expedition vehicle of choice and the Adventure Edition is designed for customers who want to explore. To enhance the Defender’s already impressive off-road credentials, the Adventure Edition features distinctive new under-body protection for the side sills and engine sump, while Goodyear MT/R tyres promise to make the most of whatever grip is on offer.

The Adventure Edition comes in a choice of three striking metallic colour options, which include Corris Grey, Yulong White and Phoenix Orange. All feature contrasting Santorini Black paint for the Adventure grille and its surround, the bonnet, roof and rear door, plus the headlamp surrounds and wheel arches. Seven-inch LED projector headlamps, clear front indicators and Gloss Black split-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels also distinguish the expedition-inspired model. The front wings feature 90 and 110 decals.

Only 215 of the Land Rover Heritage and Adventure editions will be sold. Picture: Supplied

The focus is firmly on comfort inside, where the Adventure Edition promises to provide high quality shelter from the elements. Premium seats with Windsor Leather upholstery available in four different colourways, perforated leather inserts and contrast stitching all add a touch of luxury. They are complemented by the leather-trimmed steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever and Bright Aluminium interior trim.

High quality Windsor Leather also features on the passenger facia and instrument panel while leather trim on the doors and grab handles, Ebony headlining and bespoke carpet mats complete the look.

Only 215 of the Land Rover Heritage and Adventure editions will be sold. Picture: Supplied

Key features for the Adventure Edition include:

• Corris Grey, Yulong White or Phoenix Orange paintwork.
• Santorini Black ‘Adventure’ grille, wheel arches, bonnet, roof, and rear door.
• Seven-inch LED projector headlamps.
• Clear indicator lenses.
• Underbody sill and sump protectors.
• Atlas ‘Defender’ bonnet script.
• Gloss Black split-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels.
• Goodyear MT/R tyres with white lettering.
• Bright Pack.
• Decals on front wings.
• Windsor Leather upholstery.
• Windsor Leather front passenger facia.
• Leather trimmed door panels.
• Bright Aluminium finish clock and air vent bezels.
• Aluminium interior door handles and door locks.
• Bright finish and rubber pedals.
• Santorini Black centre console.
• Fully wrapped leather steering wheel.
• Perforated leather gear knobs, handbrake lever and grab handles.
• Ebony Alston headlining.
• Heritage logo carpet floor mats.