Musical legend Bob Marley loved his 1977 Series III Land Rover and was often seen tooling around Kingston, the city that inspired such hits as "No Woman, No Cry," "Three Little Birds" and "I Shot the Sheriff," with his Wailers band on their way to a gig.

Although the car fell into disrepair following Marley's death in 1981, it was on display for several years in his home-turned-museum at 56 Hope Rd. in Kingston.

ATL Automotive in Montego Bay, a sister company of Sandals Resorts International, took on the job of restoring the car to mint condition, including locating a replacement engine from an Ethiopian military vehicle that perfectly matched the original engine.

The car is being dismantled piece by piece and new wiring and electrical components are being installed.

The body panels and the Rover's chassis, drive and power trains will be replaced or returned to original condition.

The car's interior will be redone by Cedella Marley, the musician's first-born daughter, who is a fashion designer and musician herself.

She is personally designing and upholstering the Land Rover's three-seat bench.

Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals and ATL, said the project had been a long time in the planning.

"There are few people in the world who Bob Marley hasn't inspired through his music so it is only right that we ensure that his legacy continues for years to come."

The renovation is expected to be completed shortly and will be returned to the public eye in the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston.
 

— Gay Nagle Myers