The LEGO Group is helping Land Rover celebrate 75 years, meaning lovers of the little bricks of fun get to build their own adventure with a 2,336 piece set. The new Icons Classic Defender 90 kit comes complete with all the accessories for an off-road expedition.
In its real vehicle form, the Defender has racked up 75 years of all-terrain expeditions and is instantly recognisable around the world for its unique record of adventure, humanitarian aid and hard work.
The 32cm-long LEGO model reflects this with accessories, including a roof rack, raised air intake, front bumper with working winch, side rails and toolbox, plus traction plates for crossing mud and sand.
It also has working steering and suspension, opening doors and bonnet and an interior with details based on the full-size Classic Defender. The set has a two-in-one format, allowing builders to create an everyday road-ready model or customise it for adventures.
“Defender is synonymous with adventure and this new LEGO set is a perfect way to capture the spirit of an incomparable, unstoppable automotive icon, whilst also sharing the playful side of the vehicle,” Land Rover Classic director Paul Barritt said.
“Bringing the Classic Defender to life in bricks was no easy challenge,” LEGO design master Kurt Kristiansen added. “Defender can take you anywhere, so during the design process we wanted to infuse the set with that sense of adventure. We can’t wait to see fans’ reactions.”
To launch the set, the LEGO Group placed a real Classic Defender in the Scottish Highlands, placing the kit inside it. That was the scene for a challenge, with adventurers Raha Moharrak and Aldo Kane racing to be the first to find and build the new set.
You can see who wins at www.lego.com/Defender. VIP members can also order it from 1 April, with everyone else able to nab it online or from physical LEGO stores from 4 April. It will be available from Land Rover on 1 July too, and will be priced at $369.99 in Australia.
