To celebrate: Land Rover Defender Works V8 Islay Edition Restomod!

Thomas Wachsmuth 3 May 2023 -> Cars from AZ, -> Tuner from AZ, Land Rover, Premium vehicles, Tuning classics

Reading time 5 Min.

Land Rover Classic introduces its first heritage special edition, the Defender Works V8 Islay Edition, celebrating the brand's 75th anniversary. The exclusive model is available in two body styles and comes at a respectable price. The Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is the first in a line of Heritage Edition vehicles celebrating Land Rover's 75-year history. The special model is based on the classic Defender and is inspired by the 1965 Series IIa Land Rover, which was owned by Spencer Wilks, co-founder of Land Rover. Spencer Wilks spent his holidays on the Scottish island of Islay in the Inner Hebrides, where he conducted numerous test drives with the early Defender models. This is where the name Land Rover came from.

Works V8 Isley Edition

The exclusive special model draws many design cues from Spencer Wilks' 1965 Series IIa. The Heritage Gray paint finish is complemented by a Limestone roof and matching heavy-duty steel wheels. Wheel arch extensions and logos are in body color. The front features a classic-style grille, while the side panels feature Maurice Wilks' Series IIa "GXC 639C" license plate.

To celebrate: Land Rover Defender Works V8 Islay Edition Restomod!

The individually designed interior includes leather appointments and tweed details crafted by the Islay Woolen Mill. There is also a removable wooden tray in the center console, which is made from walnut wood and parts of oak casks from the whiskey distillery Kilchoman Distillery on the island of Islay. Oak wood finishes also adorn the trunk floor, while the clock in the center of the dashboard echoes the wood grain. Applications in body color, a modern infotainment system and numerous edition badges complete the equipment.

405 PS and 515 Nm torque

The drive of the special model is based on the well-known Works specifications. The built-in 5-liter V8 engine delivers 405 PS & 515 Nm torque and is coupled with a ZF eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. In order to ensure that the special models can be approved, they are based on vehicles built between 2012 and 2016, which are completely dismantled and rebuilt. Technical upgrades such as LED headlights, a more modern chassis and improved brakes are integrated.

The Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is available in a limited edition of just 30 total - 17 as a short Defender 90 and 13 as a Defender 110 with a long wheelbase and seven seats, each as a station wagon. The Defender 90 is priced at £230.000 while the Defender 110 is priced at £245.000. Converted into euros, customers will have to pay between €262.000 and €279.000. The price includes a bottle of limited whiskey from the special edition "639", which was filled exclusively for buyers of the special models. In Germany, interested parties can contact the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Center in Essen-Kettwig. Incidentally, the Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is just one of the special heritage models with which Land Rover is celebrating the 75th brand anniversary.

The fact that only 30 examples will be made gives the model extra exclusivity and ensures that it remains a valuable piece of automotive history. The Heritage special models not only show the long history and tradition of Land Rover, but also the innovative strength and commitment of the company to constantly develop and improve the models.

classic design and modern upgrades

In conclusion, the Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is an impressive mix of classic design, modern technical upgrades and high-quality materials. The limited special model pays homage to Land Rover's 75-year success story and is valued and cared for by the lucky owners as a valuable collector's item. With the exclusive price and the limited number of pieces, the edition also shows the high value that Land Rover attaches to its customers and to automotive history. If we get more information about the changes, there is of course an update for this report. You will be informed about this if you simply use our Feed subscribe to. Have fun watching the pictures and stay true to us!

design type	V8 petrol engine naturally aspirated (Euro 5)
Capacity	4999 cc
Performance	298 kW (405 hp) at 6000 rpm
Max. torque	515 Nm at 5000 rpm
Power- transmission	8-speed automatic with pistol shift knob all wheel drive Two-stage transfer case Heavy duty front and rear differentials Torque controlled center differential
Wheel- suspension	Front: rigid axles, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, Panhard rod, push rod, stabilizer Rear: rigid axles, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, Wishbone, trailing arm, stabilizer
Brakes	Front servo-assisted, 335 mm brake discs, Four piston brake calipers Rear servo-assisted, 300mm brake discs, Four piston brake calipers
bicycles	16-inch heavy-duty steel wheels off-road tires
steering	Servo-assisted recirculating ball steering
measurements	Acceleration 0-60mph: 5,6s Top speed: 171 km / h

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