The classic Defender lives: Land Rover Classic unveils Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition

Gamekeeper

The Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition was inspired by Spencer Wilks’ Land Rover Series IIa, now part of the Land Rover Classic collection, and the island in the Hebrides where he vacationed. Wilks’ estate on Islay, Laggan, was used to test early prototypes. In 1947, while driving his highly modified Rover through the rugged countryside, the estate’s gamekeeper remarked that it should be a “Land Rover. Thus the iconic name was born.

V8

The Islay Edition has the same technical specifications as the Classic Defender Works V8. The 5.0-liter V8 rated at 297 kW/405 hp is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Each car has been fully restored, redesigned and upgraded, using donor cars from 2012-2016. Production of the Works V8 Islay Edition is limited to thirty examples, all Station Wagons. Seventeen will be built in the short-wheelbase 90 body variant and thirteen as a seven-seat 110.

Wink

The traditional Land Rover badges are finished in body color and there is a classic grille, familiar from the last production version of the Defender, the Heritage Limited Edition. The traditional badges are also found as prints on the rear mud flaps.

Unique to the Works V8 Islay Edition is a transfer on the flanks with the inscription “GXC 639C. That was the license plate of Wilks’ Series IIa and is a subtle nod to the car that inspired this thematic version of the ultimate, classic Defender.

Like previous editions of the Defender Works V8, the Islay Edition features modern improvements, including LED headlights for better visibility. Numerous improvements have also been made under the skin for superior handling on the road, including a more powerful braking system and improved suspension.