End of the road: A look back at Land Rover's Defender

The last Land Rover Defender coming off the production line at Solihull. Credit: PA

The final Land Rover Defender, one of Britain's most trusty road vehicles, has rolled off the production line in Solihull, the West Midlands.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is said to be ending production because of difficulties in maintaining safety and emissions standards.

ITV News Correspondent Damon Green witnessed the "end of an era" as the final 15 of the iconic vehicles rolled off the line for a final time.

Defenders represent the continuation of the first Land Rover series which came on to the scene in April 1948 and was modelled on war-time jeeps.

A firm favourite with farmers, the Defender also has the royal seal of approval and the Queen has been pictured driving them on a number of occasions.

Prince Charles and other members of the royal family are also fans of the vehicle.

Zara Phillips unveils a Special Edition Land Rover Defender 90 SVX Soft Top, Credit: PA

The vehicle's popularity is in part due to its "classless" appeal, according to Jim Holder, editorial director of magazines Autocar and What Car?

"It's a classless vehicle. Anyone can drive it. You might be a farmer trying to get over the muddiest field or it might be the Queen driving around Windsor. Neither would surprise you if you saw it."

A six-month-old hand-reared gorilla in the driving seat of a Defender. Credit: PA

The Defender has often been a vehicle of choice in hostile situations and has used by PSNI in Northern Ireland and by the military in war zones such as Afghanistan.

A PSNI Land Rover Defender under attack in Northern Ireland Credit: PA

Former SAS sergeant Andy McNab said Defenders had beenthe "basic workhorse" for the British military.

Military forces across the world have used Land Rover for many years. Credit: PA

Defenders have featured in a number of films such as James Bond movie Skyfall and Edge Of Tomorrow featuring Tom Cruise.

It also has international appeal and is exported all around the world.

A Land Rover Defender travels on a beach in Namibia. Credit: PA

Last year, Defender fans were invited to the Solihull plant to help the bespoke 2,000,000th model off the production line.

In December, the two millionth Defender sold at auction for £400,000, with the proceeds going to charity.

The two millionth Land Rover Defender was auctioned off for charity. Credit: Land Rover

JLR is working on a replacement vehicle for the Defender, and motoring journalist Quentin Willson blamed tough EU emissions tests for its demise.

Quentin Willson said tough EU emissions tests were to blame for the demise of the Land Rover Defender Credit: ITV News Central