Land Rover Defender Works V8 celebrates 70 years

Land Rover will celebrate 70 years of the brand this March, and to commemorate the milestone it will produce a limited number of V8-powered Defenders.

Just 150 examples of the 297kW/515Nm 5.0-litre V8-powered ‘Defender Works’ will be produced, each claiming a 0-100km/h time of 5.6sec. The naturally-aspirated Land Rover Works V8 makes 207kW/155Nm more than the now-defunct Defender 90. Top speed is listed at 170km/h.

Land Rover says the limited-edition high-performance Defender pays homage to early high-powered engines in both Series III Stage 1 V8 models from 1979, and subsequent Defenders including the highly sought-after 50th Anniversary Edition.

“It’s fitting that we’ve been able to release the full potential of the iconic Defender, whose much-loved shape remains synonymous with Land Rover, 70 years since it was seen in public for the first time,” said Jaguar Land Rover Classic director, Tim Hannig.

“The idea of reintroducing a V8 Defender was something we were discussing as far back as 2014, when we were still building the Defender in Solihull. We knew the demand was there for a powerful and fast Defender; the Land Rover authenticity is the ultimate finishing touch for discerning clients purchasing this collector’s edition Defender.”

The V8 mill is matched to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with sport mode, and fitted with uprated brakes and suspension. It rides on 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels wrapped in 265/65 all-terrain tyres.

It’s offered in eight standard body colours include two satin finishes – contrasting with a Santorini Black roof, wheel-arches and front grille – and is finished with machined aluminium door-handles, fuel filler cap and DEFENDER bonnet lettering.

LED headlights are standard, as is a Windsor Leather upholstery package, Recaro sport seats and Land Rover’s Classic infotainment system.

Land Rover Classic will offer both 90 and 110 versions of the Works model for sale only in the UK. The asking price is £150,000 for the short-wheelbase variant.

Land Rover will reveal a completely redesigned Defender late this year -- a ground-breaking new off-roader that will also be available with battery-electric power.