This Defender was called the Islay Edition The first Land Rover Classic Works V8 model Heritage-themed design inspired by Spencer Wilkes’ 1965 personal car. During the development of the original Land Rover, the cars were tested by the managing director of Rover Cars at his estate in Laggan, Isle of Islay, in the Scottish Hebrides, where the Land Rover name originated. During a test drive in 1947, when the latter was driving his modified Rover (which would later become the Series I) across the island’s rugged terrain, Laggan Estate gamekeeper Ian Duncan remarked that it must be the new “Land Rover. That’s how the name was born. Therefore, today the brand pays tribute to this island with a rich history.

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The Defender Classic Works V8 Islay Edition is inspired by the Land Rover Series IIa owned by Spencer Wilkes (now in the Land Rover Classic collection) who used it during his stay on the Isle of Islay in the Hebrides. That is why it stands out Heritage Gray body, its limestone roof and matching steel discs. Traditional Land Rover logos and badges are made in body color. The grill is made in a classic style, the model has a “GXC 639C” badge, vehicle registration number who inspired this special series.

The interior is finished in Windsor Ebony leather with unique Islay tweed details, selected specifically for the Defender Islay Edition. The central compartment has a removable walnut top, using oak from Islay’s Kilchoman whiskey casks. Finally something unusual for the Classic Defender, niches for feet are covered with carpetsfor an extra touch of luxury.

A final nod: next to the gear lever is a plaque that recalls the origin of the Land Rover name.

V8 engine and limited quantity

Each instance of this Islay Edition is a Classic Defender (from 2012 to 216), carefully restored and redesigned by Land Rover Classic specialists. A fantastic engine under the hood 5.0-liter atmospheric V8 with a capacity of 405 hp and 515 Nm paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Accelerating from 0 to 96.5 km/h (60 mph) in 5.6 seconds, the top speed is set at 171 km/h.

The suspension and braking have also been revised to make them more efficient, and modernity has not been forgotten, especially thanks to the presence of LED headlights.

The Defender Works V8 Islay Edition will be limited to 30 units, including 17 in the 90 (short wheelbase) version and 13 in the seven-seat 110 version. Prices match the exclusivity: £230,000 (€261,000) for the 90 and £245,000 (€279,000) for the 110.