LAND ROVER has paid tribute to its original 70-year-old design with an incredible snow sculpture.
Artist Simon Beck was sent to the French Alps to create the special anniversary outline.
He walked over 20,000 steps at 2,700-metres in sub-zero conditions to “draw” the image.
It’s an iconic design that was first sketched in the sand at Red Wharf Bay in Anglesey by engineering director of Rover, Maurice Wilks.
The picture was pitched to his brother Spencer, Rover’s managing director, and was eventually christened the “Land Rover” and later became the Defender.
Fittingly, snow artist Beck drove a Defender to near the peak before hopping out on foot for the challenge.
He then walked 20,894 steps and 16.5km (10.2 miles) through the French Alps to create the 250-metre wide image.
Beck said: “Making my snow art requires endurance, accuracy and strength – all attributes shared with the Defender.
“Its iconic shape is so simple and recognised across the world; this must be the most recognisable piece of art I’ve ever made.”
The Defender outline is now imprinted on the side to announce World Land Rover Day on 30 April.
That marks exactly 70 years since the original Land Rover was first shown to the world at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show.
Land Rover is inviting fans to join the celebrations in a World Land Rover Day online broadcast at 8pm on the day.
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It stars the people who helped create the world’s most-loved 4x4s and Land Rover’s pioneering technologies, from its Series Land Rover and Defender origins, to the introduction of the Range Rover in 1970 and Discovery in 1989.
Prof Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, said: “Land Rover is an iconic brand around the world and the outline of the Defender is instantly recognisable.
“To reach the landmark of 70 years is truly special and we will mark it with a year of celebrations that represents Land Rover’s Above and Beyond spirit and honours the people behind the world’s favourite SUVs.”