New Atlas colours join Defender paint palette
Bored of black? So over silver? Time to pick from sextet of new shades
It’s been at least a fortnight since there was a Defender update, and today comes great news for those of us who spend too long on car configurators. There are now six new Atlas colours offered for the Land Rover Defender, half a dozen paint finishes ‘mixing heritage Defender shades with adventurous new tones inspired by epic and breathtaking landscapes across the world.’ So there’s not a black, grey or silver in sight.
They’ve become possible thanks to the introduction of a new Universal Paint Line in the Slovakia factory; as well as the splash of colour, they’re said to be ‘the most durable and robust Defender colours yet’. The supermarket car park will have the final say on that one, surely. But the claim is that the new Atlas range can withstand four times the industry standard for grit blasting, which will be reassuring this winter should you have to overtake Coldfinger, You Only Grit Ice, Snowing Me, Snowing You or Keanu Freeze this winter.
Anyway, the colours. This being a Land Rover product launch, these aren't just paints - they’re six new colours across three categories. Galway Green and Buckingham Blue are old heritage shades brought back; the former inspired by the countryside of the Irish county, while Buckingham was originally offered from ’06 to ’13 and is ‘a celebration of enduring design and rugged adventure.’ Mara Red is a rework of the previously offered Masai Red, both inspired by the savannahs of south-west Kenya. Pantelleria Blue is a fresh take on Pageant Blue, now embodying ‘the expansive waves of the Mediterranean where it meets the jagged volcanic terrain of the Italian island of Pantelleria. Learn something new every day - and what a line to trot out at your next dinner party.
Perhaps most interesting of all six are the brand new ones, Aira Green and Jenolan Gold. Which aren’t yet available to order and might actually change before launch. D’oh. For now, the former is a celebration of the Aira Force Waterfall in the Lake District, specifically the mossy banks at the water’s edge - and Defenders always look good in green. A hundred PH points if you knew about the caves of Jenolan as well; the rock formations under Australia’s Blue Mountains are where the gold comes from.
As standard, all these new shades will come with a black contrast roof, though a white one is also offered on 90s and 110s. Gloss or Matte Protective Films are also available, to keep the Defender looking its best should you ever have to venture off the beaten track. Heaven forbid.
Defender MD Patrick McGillycuddy said: “The Atlas colours are the rarest expressions of Defender, created for those who value individuality and authenticity. The range introduces a vibrant and rugged set of new exterior finishes to our clients, offering even greater customisation and choice to an already comprehensive line up.” No word yet on cost, but expect to pay a premium given the additional investment. Or, if none of the new ones quite suit, don’t forget that funky colours have existed before these - how about orange?
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