Land Rover Classic Reveals Defender Works V8 Islay Edition Details
Land Rover Classic has unveiled the first special edition Defender, the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition. This version is dedicated to the incredible defender Spencer Wilkes, Managing Director of the Land Rover Automobile Company and one of the founders of Land Rover, as well as the Scottish Isle of Islay, where the Land Rover name comes from.
Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition
The classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is inspired by the Land Rover Series IIa, part of the classic Land Rover collection owned by Spencer Wilks, and the Inner Hybrid Island where he vacationed.
Wilkes' Laggan estate was the proving ground for the first prototypes, and in 1947, while driving a modified cross-country car, the estate's gamekeeper declared the car a "land roamer", which means ... Land Rover in English. Hence the name of the brand.
The technical specification is based on the classic Defender Works V8 Classic. Islay Edition is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 405 horsepower.with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Each model is meticulously restored, reworked and updated with 2012-2016 models. The cars have been handcrafted, making them a rarity for all car connoisseurs looking for luxury classic protectors with a unique design, available direct from the manufacturer.
Works V8 Islay Edition will be available in a limited quantity of 30 pieces.all station wagons, including 17 models with a 90 wheelbase and 13 seven-seat models with a 110 wheelbase.
“In 2023, we celebrated the 75th anniversary of Land Rover. Spencer Wilkes and Islay are an important part of our history, and the release of the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is a great way to celebrate our important anniversary. It honors the unique model in our collection, Spencer Wilks' beautiful Series IIa, and is a tribute to the unique products and beautiful nature of Islay."
“Authenticity, contemporary design and the superior craftsmanship of our experienced engineers and technicians make this limited edition classic Defender a unique model for discerning customers looking for a top-notch classic Land Rover,” he describes. Paul Barritt, Land Rover Classic Director.
Timeless design
The classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition has a Heritage Gray finish based on Wilks Mid Gray paint, with a contrast roof and Limestone heavy steel wheels. The wheel arches are also finished in Heritage Grey, which complements the model's sophisticated appearance.
Traditional Land Rover logos and badges are body-coloured, while the classic grille is reminiscent of the discontinued Defender Heritage Limited Edition, while the historic logo is embossed on the rear mudguards.
A unique feature of the Islay Edition Works V8 is the “GXC 639C” markings on the side – these are Wilks Series IIa registration numbers, a subtle nod to the history of the classic Defender. As with previous Defender Works V8 versions, the Islay Edition features enhanced features including LED headlights. Other examples of modern accents used in this model are the heavy-duty suspension and braking system, prepared for maximum off-road performance and dynamics.
Authentic interior
The interior of the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition, with its finishes and attention to detail, is a direct reference to Islay, the birthplace of Land Rover (including the brand name itself). Luxurious Land Rover Windsor Ebony leather trim with Premium Defender seats, door side panels, roof and dashboard. The center console and the classic infotainment system have body-coloured touches, the latter of which provides state-of-the-art communications solutions, including navigation and Bluetooth DAB radio. The Heritage Gray body color is also used for the shifting of the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
There is also a plaque next to the gearbox describing the history of the Land Rover name. This is the story of how Ian Duncan, the gamekeeper of the Laggan estate, yelled at Wilkes, who was testing a heavily modified car in Islay that later became a Series I, that the car he was driving had to be a Land Rover. In addition, this classic Land Rover logo is embossed on the steering wheel and seat headrests. An unprecedented highlight for the Classic Defender is the floor mats, which add a touch of luxury.
References to the Isle of Islay are evident in the thoughtful details of the interior. The armrests, door panels, central storage compartment and sun canopy details are crafted from Woolen Mill's specially selected Islay tweed.
The tweed pattern is embellished with a motif that reflects the landscape of the island. Land Rover Classic chose colors to represent the island, including the blue of the island's sea and sky, the purple of the local heather, and the subtle yellow accents of the peat grass landscapes. The unique material also lines a compartment on the center console where you can leave things like your smartphone.
The central storage compartment contains a special handcrafted detail that reinforces the connection between the model and the island. This is a removable tray with leather liners featuring oak barrels from the local award-winning Kilchoman Distillery.
Each tray contains a unique 110mm diameter wooden disc featuring a whiskey keg lid embossed with authentic factory markings, making each model one of a kind. The tray containing the disc is finished in American walnut, complementing the oak accents of the whiskey barrels.
The specially designed theme includes the distillery and Woolen Mill typeface in the style of a real whiskey barrel, as well as the official Land Rover 75th Anniversary logo. The basis of each coaster is also the wood of whiskey barrels.
Kilchoman Distillery has a family relationship with Spencer Wilkes since it was founded by his granddaughter Cathy Wills and her husband Anthony in 2005, combining the history of the original model and namesake with the beautiful island and unique features of the Islay Edition Classic Defender Works V8. . The limited edition 639 whiskey was also created as a tribute to Defender Islay and every customer will receive a bottle from this collection.
Oak trim is also featured on the luggage compartment floor and is designed to last to the same quality and engineering standards as the latest Range Rover models. The clock on the dashboard with wooden elements also applies to the rest of the interior trim.
Specifications Defender Works V8 Islay Edition
Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition uses the same basic principles as Classic Defender Works V8. Each model is a meticulously restored and rebuilt classic Defender by Land Rover Classic.
The models from which the materials were obtained are 2012-2016 vehicles and were installed by Land Rover Classic. modern 5-litre V8 engines with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. That's 405 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque for incredible power. Islay Edition - similar to Works V8 - accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds.
Each model has been carefully selected and redesigned with the Defender Suspension Upgrade Kit, featuring unique suspension settings for maximum off-road comfort and dynamics. The V8 version also has upgraded brake discs and pads.
Source: Jaguar Land Rover
