Autoblog

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Is it just us, or is every carmaker celebrating its sixtieth anniversary? The end of WW2 in 1945 and the resumption of industrial activity across Europe certainly played a big role, but the coincidence is still staggering. Ferrari celebrated its 60th last year. Saab celebrated sixty years the year before, while Bentley celebrated 60 years at its Crewe factory. Lotus is marking its 60th anniversary this year a few years early, while the Ford F-Series pick-up is blowing out its sixty candles. Porsche is also counting sixty years in business. Add to those celebrations that of Land Rover, which premiered its original Series 1 off-roader in 1948.

Land Rover, now under new ownership from Tata, is planning an array of birthday celebrations around the world. The Goodwood Festival of Speed will mark the occasion by showcasing Land Rover as its featured marque this year, where the iconic off-road outfitter will unveil a new automotive sculpture by artist Gerry Juddah. In its sixty year history, Land Rovers have arguably scaled more mountains and traversed more wilderness than any other motorized vehicle in the history of mankind.

[Source: Land Rover]

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Land Rover is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a UK-only special edition Defender 90 they're calling the SVX. (No, it doesn't look like a Subaru.) The SVX is a 200-vehicle limited edition (140 convertibles, 60 hardtops) that also happens to be the swankiest version of the short-wheelbase Defender yet. As evidence of this, note the bright metallic grille surround, clear lamps, silver roll cage and spiffy wheels. Inside, Recaros, an upgraded stereo (iPod cradle, subwoofer, etc.), Garmin navi, and alloy shift knobs continue the glitzification. Not to worry, though. Just because this Defender's been to the haberdashery for some new duds and accessories doesn't mean it's any less capable. Like its more casually-attired kin, if the going gets rough (literally), it's good to go.

[Source: Land Rover]