Land Rover Defender Works V8 Islay Edition emerges
Limited-run classic Land Rover Defender salutes early prototypes tested on Scotland’s Isle of IslayLand Rover Classics has unwrapped the Land Rover Defender Works V8 Islay Edition that pays tribute to the British car-maker’s unofficial Isle of Islay proving ground in Scotland, where early prototypes of the iconic 4x4 off-roader were tested.
Limited to just 30 units, the special-edition is based on the remanufactured previous-generation Land Rover Defender Works V8 and is said to draw direct inspiration from the 1965 Series IIa owned by one of the founders of Land Rover, Spencer Wilks.
Timed to help celebrate Land Rover’s 75th anniversary this year, the special collection of classic Defenders all come with the same 297kW/515Nm 5.0-litre V8 that, combined with a modern ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, provides for a 0-100km/h time of just 5.6sec and a limited 170km/h top speed.
Based on any potential Defender sold between 2012 and 2016, the limited-run Islay Edition gains steel wheels painted in Limestone white, a Heritage grey painted body and new LED headlights.
Look closer and you’ll also spot the ‘GXC 639C’ graphics that references Wilks’ Series IIa number plate.
Like other Works V8s, as standard the Islay Edition gets uprated coil suspension, new dampers and a big braking package.
Inside, the seats, side trim, headliner and dash are wrapped in Windsor Ebony leather, while the centre seat inserts and middle arm rest are upholstered in a special tweed design created by the Islay Woollen Mill.
Other decorative touches include using oak sourced from local Kilchoman whisky distillery barrels that are used on the central stowage space and beneath each cup holder.
The centre console is painted in Heritage Grey to match the exterior, while a commemorative plaque is attached near the gear lever.
Land Rover says it will make just 17 Land Rover Defender Works V8 Islay Edition models based on the short-wheelbase Defender 90, and 13 on the longer 110.
Pricing for the Shorty kicks off at around £230,000 ($A430,500) and £245,000 ($A459,000) for the long-wheelbase version.
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