Land-Rover recreates 1948 production line

| 29 Jan 2015

Jaguar Land Rover has built an authentic replica of the first production line used to build Series I Land-Rovers, and it's inviting the public to take a look.

The 'Defender Celebration Line' forms part of a new Defender tour to mark the last year of production, which was announced earlier this month. The line features a number of replicas in various states of completion, with each being meticulously built using identical components and construction methods to the original Series I.

Jaguar Land Rover hopes that more than 20,000 visitors will visit the attraction in its first year, with each being required to wear authentic 'cow gown' overalls to help reinforce the 1940s theme. Previously unseen footage of Maurice Wilks – the Land-Rover's designer – will be used to help tell the story. 

Land-Rover

The production line is housed in one of the Solihull firm's original buildings which, until the end of this year, is being used to construct the Defender. 

"Land-Rover has a rich heritage based around the Series I and Defender models," said heritage director John Edwards. "We wanted to create something extra special that would give visitors and enthusiasts a unique insight into how it all started back in 1948.

"It has been a huge task to recreate a production line from almost 70 years ago, from sourcing original parts for the Series I models, to authentically recreating the working environment and uniform of employees who were here. The team involved has been meticulous in their research, planning and creation of what is a fitting tribute to the legendary heritage of Land-Rover."

The curator of the Dunsfold Collection (which is currently searching for a permanent home) Phil Bashall was integral to the project, with some of his own stash of 8000 parts being used to build the five Series I vehicles – a task that took just five weeks.

Land-Rover

"It's been a struggle at times, but a real labour of love to source all of the original parts needed for vehicles that went out of production so many years ago," said Bashall. 

Bashall's fellow coordinator, Roger Crathorne, was born in Solihull and joined Land-Rover as an apprentice in 1963. He retired last year after more than 50 years' service. 

"No other car maker in the world has anything as authentic and with such meticulous attention to detail as our heritage line," said Crathorne. "It has taken months of searching and dedication to put this project together, but it has been worth it."

Click here to arrange a visit to the Defender Celebration Line.