Land Rover to Build 25 Re-engineered Defender Works V8 Trophy Vehicles

The new Land Rover Defender has been the talk of the industry since it went on sale last year, but demand for the original Defender, which ceased production in 2016, is still strong.

And because of that, Land Rover Classic has been tasked with building a limited run of 25 re-engineered Defender Works V8 Trophy vehicles.

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Available in 90 (regular wheelbase) or 110 (long wheelbase) configuration, they will all be motivated by a 5.0-litre gasoline V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission—a complete departure from the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (122 hp, 265 lb-ft.) the old Defender retired with.

Engineers will of course upgrade the suspension, steering and brakes.

Other modifications include mud-terrain tires on 16-inch heavy-duty steel wheels, a winch, roof rack, raised air intake, spotlights and skid plates. Tubular steel bars around the upper body will help preserve the integrity of the cabin in the event of a rollover.

Every example will wear a Eastnor Yellow paint job with Narvik Black accents as a tribute to the livery worn by Defenders that took part in Camel Trophy races during the 1980s and 1990s. The interior is much more modern, though, with black Windsor leather upholstery, Recaro sport seats featuring yellow stitching, smartphone connectivity and navigation.

The base price for the Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Trophy is set at a whopping £195,000, which amounts to $343,000. Orders will be accepted only from customers in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania. Still, we suspect Land Rover will have no trouble selling all 25 units.

Interestingly, those customers will receive an invitation to participate in a three-day adventure at Eastnor Castle, where Land Rover performs some of its research and development work. Under the guidance of driving instructors, they will embark on a series of off-road challenges, and the winner will receive a prize.