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Land Rover Classic has released its first heritage-themed special edition Defender – the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition.
The themed edition celebrates Spencer Wilkes, Managing Director of Land Rover Motor Cars and co-founder of Land Rover, as well as Islay, Scotland, the birthplace of the Land Rover name, as contributors to the unparalleled legacy of the Defender.
The Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is inspired by the Series IIa Land Rover owned and used by Spencer Wilks, which is now part of the Land Rover Classic collection, and the Hebrides where he vacationed.
land rover name
Wilkes’ Lagan estate on Islay was used to test early prototypes, and when he drove a heavily modified Rover over rough terrain in 1947, the estate’s gamekeeper commented that it must be a ” Land Rover”, thus the name was born.
Based on the same technical specifications as the Classic Defender Works V8, the Islay Edition features a 405hp 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Using vehicles donated from 2012 to 2016, each car has been fully restored, redesigned and upgraded.
Each meticulously crafted and hand-assembled vehicle offers a unique proposition for the discerning customer looking for a truly luxurious, fully engineered, collectible classic Defender direct from the original manufacturer.
Works V8 Islay Edition is limited to 30 units, all of which are station wagons, of which 17 are 90 short wheelbase versions and 13 are 110 seven-seater versions.
Paul Barritt, Land Rover Classic Director, said: “In 2023 we will be celebrating Land Rover’s 75th anniversary. Spencer Wilks and the Isle of Islay are an important part of our history and the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is helping to A fitting way for us to celebrate a landmark anniversary. It references a special vehicle in our collection, Spencer Wilks’ beautiful Series IIa, and is inspired by the exceptional offerings and incredible natural surroundings of Islay itself Impact. Authenticity, modern engineering and masterful execution by our skilled engineers and technicians make this limited edition Classic Defender a very special vehicle for our discerning customers looking for the ultimate traditional Land Rover.”
timeless look
The Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition features a Heritage Gray paint finish – taking inspiration from the mid-gray paint of Wilks’ original car – with a contrasting roof and heavy-duty steel wheels finished in Limestone. The wheel arches also feature a traditional gray finish for a more refined exterior design.
Traditional Land Rover logos and badging are finished in body colour, along with a classic-style grille familiar from worn-out Defender Heritage Limited Editions, while the rear fenders also feature iconic heritage branding.
Unique to the Works V8 Islay Edition is the graphic on the side that reads “GXC 639C” – the Wilks Series IIa registration – which pays a subtle nod to the vehicle that inspired this ultimate classic Defender themed edition.
Like previous versions of the Defender Works V8, the Islay Edition features modern enhancements including LED headlights for improved visibility. These technological additions extend under the skin to comprehensive enhancements that include upgraded suspension and braking systems tailored for superior on-road performance and dynamics.
Authentic interior
The interior of the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is the vehicle’s connection to Islay, where Land Rover’s origins (including the origin of the Land Rover name itself) truly come to life, with thoughtful touches and incredible attention to detail.
Premium Defender seats, side trim, doors, headliner and instrument panel are finished in luxurious Land Rover Windsor Ebony leather. Body-color detailing surrounds the center console and the classic infotainment system, which incorporates modern features such as sat-nav, DAB radio and Bluetooth into pristine displays and dashboards. The same traditional gray body color surrounds the pistol lever for the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Next to the gear lever is a plaque detailing the origin of the Land Rover name, and as estate gamekeeper Ian Duncan reportedly exclaimed to Wilks – he was testing a heavily modified Rover that would become Islay’s Series I Laggan estate – This must be the new Land Rover he’s driving. Additionally, the Land Rover heritage logo is embossed on the steering wheel and seat headrests. Meanwhile, and unusually for the Classic Defender, all the footwells are carpeted for an added touch of luxury.
The connection to Islay is woven into thoughtful details throughout the interior. The shoulder areas of the seats, door card sections, center armrest covers and details hidden behind the sun visors are all finished in tweed carefully selected by Islay Woolen Mill for a great touch – providing a unique connection to the place as well as its place in Defender history.
The tweed pattern features earthy undertones that echo the local landscape. Land Rover Classic chose colors to represent the area, with blue for the sea and sky of Islay, purple for the native heather and pale yellow for the peat meadows. This special fabric is also used in the unique pouch in the center locker for storing small items such as smartphones.
central storage
Central storage has bespoke detailing that reinforces the connection to Islay. Its removable tray comes with a leather label and comes in whiskey oak casks from the local Kilchoman distillery.
Each tray features a unique 110mm wooden disc that replicates the end of a whiskey cask and is made from a specific piece of wood with authentic molded lettering, meaning each vehicle is unique. The discs are placed in a tray with an American Walnut veneer that complements the whiskey barrel oak, with beautiful dovetail joints for a sophisticated finish.
The carefully crafted surround showcases the distillery and woolen mill in the same stenciled font, just like a real whiskey cask – and includes the official Land Rover 75th Anniversary logo. The base of each cup holder is also made from whiskey barrel wood.
Kilchoman has family links to Spencer Wilks, whose granddaughter Kathy Wills set up with her husband Anthony in 2005 The distillery connects the heritage of the original vehicle, its namesake, the beautiful island and the unique features of the classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition. A limited edition ‘639’ whiskey has also been produced to commemorate Defender Islay, with each customer receiving a bottle to enhance the collectible value of their vehicle.
Oak veneer detailing extends to the rear loadspace floor, and its fine finish and durable character meet the same exacting quality and engineering standards as the latest production Range Rover. The clock in the center of the dashboard also mirrors the woodgrain of the other features.
technical specifications
Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition uses the same foundation as Classic Defender Works V8. Each vehicle is a lovingly restored and rebuilt classic Defender, professionally sourced by the experts at Land Rover Classic.
Donated vehicles dated from 2012 to 2016, and the Land Rover Classic was fitted with a modern naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 powertrain paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Delivering 405hp and 515Nm of torque, performance is effortless.
The Islay Edition, like the Works V8, will accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds and has a top speed of 106mph. Specifically selected and redesigned for each example, the Defender Suspension Upgrade Kit includes a uniquely tuned suspension, tailored for enhanced road comfort and dynamics, with improved coil spring rates and dampers. Also included is the Handling Upgrade Kit, which provides upgraded Works V8-spec brake rotors, pads and calipers for enhanced stopping power. — trade arab news agency
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