Every year, reggae music lovers from around the world celebrate Bob Marley’s birthday on Feb. 6. Well, this year’s celebrations — marking what would have been the reggae legend’s 68th birthday — brought word that restoration work is underway on one of Marley’s most beloved and iconic vehicles. Sandals Resorts International’s Jamaica-based sister company ATL Automotive in Montego Bay, with its Expert Land Rover Master Technicians, is proud to oversee the restoration project on music legend Bob Marley’s famous Land Rover. Marley’s 1977 Series III Land Rover Defender, which he used to transport his legendary band The Wailers and their equipment to gigs throughout Jamaica, had fallen into a state of disrepair following his death in 1981. For several years, it had been on display in his home-turned-museum located at 56 Hope Road in Kingston. Adam Stewart, CEO for Sandals Resorts International and ATL Automotive, commented: “It is a tremendous honour to help return such an extraordinary automobile to its former glory. This project has been a long time in the planning and we can’t wait to play our part in history. There are few people in the world who Bob Marley hasn’t inspired through his music at some point so it is only right that we ensure his legacy continue to inspire for many years to come.” The project involves carefully dismantling the vehicle piece-by-piece before completely restoring the vehicle’s chassis, drive and power trains to full working condition. The Land Rover’s body panels will be replaced or returned to their original condition as well as a complete electrical rewiring and replacing of electrical components throughout. Seen here, from l to r, are Brent Murphy, general manager for ITC, Regional Distributors for Land Rover. Adam Stewart, CEO for Sandals Resorts International and ATL Automotive. Mauro Frateschi, JLR sales and marketing manager, Latin America and Caribbean for ITC. and Steve Rapley, regional sales and marketing manager for ITC posing with Bob Marley’s original 1977 Land Rover before the restoration project begins.