Land Rover Defender At finish Of The Road

After over 2 million vehicles were created, the last model rolled off the assembly line at Solihull within the West Midlands this morning to mixed emotions for big cat Land Rover (JLR) workers World Health Organization have gathered for a celebration to mark the occasion.

The first design was sketched on the sands of a beach in Wales and made its debut in 1948.

It took its inspiration from wartime Jeeps - but with a hard top and permanent four-wheel-drive - proving so popular that

Rover had to ramp up production after the first 8,000 sold out.

Independent enthusiasts have also made money out of a growing trend for restoration and conversion.

Author Andy McNab, himself a former SAS sergeant, bought his own Defender last year after he learned production was coming to an end - and described the 4x4 as a "basic workhorse".

He said: "I love them. I learned to drive in one. They've invariably been there as a result of it is the main vehicle for the military since concerning the Fifties."

However, the standing and recognition of the 'Landy' has not been enough to prevent JLR ending production.

The decision is believed to own been taken as a result of continued crash safety and emissions issues.

While the corporate is believed to be engaged on a replacement it's remained tight-lipped however still has the Freelander, Discovery and vary Rover models in its stable once the Defender's ending.

A representative said: ""We've currently got the technology, pioneering engineering capability and style experience to evolve Defender."

But Jim Holder, editorial director of Autocar and What Car? magazines, was among those mourning its loss.

He said: "It's a democratic vehicle. Anyone will drive it.

"You can be a farmer attempting to induce over the muddiest field or it'd be the Queen driving around Windsor.

"Neither would surprise you if you saw it."

The monarch was 1st seen behind the wheel of a Land Rover in 1952 and is known to own closely-held many.

Mr Holder added: "It's got that ubiquitousness wherever it may be reception in Chelsea however does not look out of place painted white within the middle of a combat area.

"It claims to try and do everything and to a degree it will do everything (but) the planet has overtaken it to a degree wherever they will now not keep it up the proper aspect of