Honest John News New Cars

Land Rover Classic launches Defender Works V8 Islay Edition

David Ross, Editor
Tue, 09 May 2023

Land Rover Classic has revealed the new Defender Works V8 Islay Edition, which will be limited to just 30 examples - all station wagons.

The special edition is inspired by a Series IIa Land Rover owned by the former managing director of the Rover Car Company, Spencer Wilks and the Hebridean island, Islay, where he tested early prototypes.

And the price? An eye-watering £230,000 for the Defender 90 and £245,000 for the 110.

Each vehicle is comprehensively restored and upgraded, with modern engineering and design improvements designed to make it a luxurious and collectible classic Defender, direct from the original manufacturer.

The Islay Edition is based on the same technical specification as the Classic Defender Works V8, with a 405PS 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, producing 515Nm of torque, a 0-60mph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 106mph.

The Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is finished in Heritage Grey, inspired by the Mid Grey paint of Wilks’ original vehicle, along with a contrast roof and heavy-duty steel wheels finished in Limestone.

Traditional Land Rover logos and badging are finished in body colour and there's a classic-style grille. A side graphic reading ‘GXC 639C’ - the registration of Wilks’ Series IIa - provides a subtle nod to the vehicle that inspired the creation of the Islay Edition.

LED headlights provide enhanced visibility, while comprehensive enhancements under the skin include uprated suspension and braking systems, tailored for superior on-road performance and dynamics.

Luxurious Land Rover Windsor Ebony leather covers the Premium Defender seats, side trim, doors, roof lining, and dashboard. The Classic Infotainment System, which incorporates satellite navigation, DAB radio, and Bluetooth into an original display and facia, is surrounded by a body colour detail.

A plaque beside the gear lever details the story of how the Land Rover name came to be and the Land Rover heritage logo is embossed on the steering wheel and seat headrests.

Additionally, all the footwells are carpeted - unusual for a Defender. The vehicle also features several unique touches inspired by Islay, such as specially chosen tweed crafted by the Islay Woollen Mill, on the shoulder area of the seats, sections of the door cards, the lid of the central armrest and details hidden behind the sun visor.

A unique pouch in the centre cubby features the same fabric for stowing small items such as a smartphone. The central stowage space also features a removable tray, complete with leather tabs, that features the oak of whisky barrels sourced from the local Kilchoman distillery. Each tray features a unique 110mm wooden disc.

Ask HJ

I'm selling my Land Rover Defender 110 - is it worth upgrading the interior to get a better sale price?

I'm thinking of selling my Land Rover Defender 110 and what I really need is some advice regarding the condition of the car. It is in genuine original condition with no added extras, would it be more saleable if I upgraded the interior or should it be left as is? It is clean and tidy but there are no luxuries i.e. padded seats etc.
Unless the interior of your Land Rover is in poor condition, investing money into making the interior more presentable might make it more saleable but it is unlikely you will recoup much of that outlay in a better sale price. Buyers looking at Defenders should understand that it is predominantly a working vehicle and is far from luxurious, so we would suggest just making the car as clean and presentable as possible to get the best possible price.
Answered by David Ross
More Questions