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SA furniture company dreams up Land Rover Defender bed

<b> TOUGH, BUT STATIONARY: </b> Artisan Joinery used 16mm medium density fibreboard (MDF) to recreate the bed as a Defender 90 replica. <i> Image: Motorpress </i>
<b> TOUGH, BUT STATIONARY: </b> Artisan Joinery used 16mm medium density fibreboard (MDF) to recreate the bed as a Defender 90 replica. <i> Image: Motorpress </i>

Pretoria – One dedicated Land Rover fan’s dreams have come true, in the shape of a Land Rover Defender bed for their young son.

The bed has been made to replicate the Defender used in a James Bond film, and even uses original Defender components for an added touch of authenticity.

The bed was designed, built and finished by Artisan Joinery, a bespoke furniture company based in George, Western Cape.

Inspired by the James Bond film 'Spectre'

Following a brief from a customer to create the ultimate boyhood dream bed, the team at Artisan Joinery drew inspiration from the 2015 James Bond film, Spectre, which starred a customised Land Rover Defender prepared by Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO).

Terry Ryan, the owner of Artisan Joinery said: “The customer was already a Land Rover enthusiast and a huge fan of the Defender, so it was an easy choice when it came to choosing the theme for their son’s car-themed bedroom. Various options were discussed, including an old Defender on a beach, as well as a new Defender in one of the heritage colours. The Spectre Defender was suggested after we watched the latest Bond film – and that’s the one the client chose.”

Last hurrah: Final Land Rover Defender rolls off the line

Artisan Joinery used 16mm medium density fibreboard (MDF) to recreate the bed as a Defender 90 replica. Thanks to this lightweight wood construction it tips the scales at 600kg. A new process was developed to bend and form the MDF for the complex surfaces on the bonnet – which prominently features iconic Defender badging.

Every Land Rover offers drivers practicality, and the Defender bed is no different. Its interior features an extra-length queen-size mattress for class-leading legroom. The roof rack can also be converted into a three-quarter size bed for the last word in versatility when it comes to sleepovers or bedroom camping. These multiple sleeping configurations are made possible through the use of innovative, side-mounted steel ladders that aid ease of access.

Land Rover’s legendary off-road capability has also been retained, through the fitment of mud-terrain tyres. Should the need ever arise to conquer carpeted surfaces the Defender bed will be up to the challenge.

Original headlights and indicators

Similarly, excursions down dark passages are made possible with the inclusion of original Land Rover Defender headlights and indicators. Additionally, a set of high-intensity LED spotlights has been fitted to the roof rack to ensure excellent night-time visibility. While original Defenders were available with a range of petrol and diesel engines, the Defender bed is fully electric thanks to the fitment 220-volt wall socket, which powers the lighting system.

This is the first Land Rover Defender bed that Artisan Joinery has built. With a production time of six weeks, pricing is available on request. International queries have already arrived from as far afield as the UK and Dubai.

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