While the new Land Rover Defender has been around since 2020, that’s not to say that the model it replaced has been consigned to the dustbin of history. Quite the opposite, as Land Rover Classic continues to build on the original’s achievements with the Defender Works V8 Trophy II.
Land Rover Classic breathes new life into the original Defender line with a limited-edition release
“The Defender has conquered terrains across the world. Our latest Classic Works V8 Trophy II honors this expedition heritage in its unique exterior design, paying homage to some of these stunning locations,” said Michael van der Sande, Managing Director for Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations.
This new line derived from the classic Defender is limited to just 25 units. Each will be wrapped in a unique exterior camouflage design that depicts the 23 locations that the 4x4 has conquered in its adventures spanning 70 years. These include The Camel Trophy, The First Overland, and the G4 Challenge.
The Defender's history is literally found on its skin
As an easter egg, a number of Land Rover silhouettes are also hidden within the pattern for owners to find. A Fuji White finish contrasts with the Narvik Black roof and gloss black exterior elements. There are Recaro seats rendered in Windsor leather, and occupants will appreciate the touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and smartphone connectivity.
But the Defender Classic Works V8 Trophy II goes beyond mere cosmetic enhancements. Every unit in the series, based on Defenders from the 2012 to 2016 model years, has been stripped and rebuilt by hand according to exacting standards and enhanced specifications by Land Rover Classic.
Black-and-white Recaro seats wrapped in leather welcome occupants aboard
Under the hood lives a 5.0-liter gasoline V8 rated at 400 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. These are accompanied by an uprated suspension system, upgraded brakes, and enhanced steering. Further improvements include a custom grille protected by an A-frame, as well as an external roll bar, 500mm of wading depth, and Land Rover Trophy badging.
The production run will comprise five Double Cab Pick-up body styles, with the remaining 20 equally divided between the 90 and 110 Station Wagon configurations.
Only 25 examples will be built, or rather rebuilt with enhanced specifications
Current Defender owners will also get the chance to apply some of the limited edition Defender’s aesthetic elements to their own rides, courtesy of Trophy-influenced genuine accessories to be announced later in the year. Meanwhile, the Defender Works V8 Trophy II line is now ready for purchase, with prices starting at £225,000 (over Php 15.1 million) for a Defender 90 derivative in the U.K.
See how classic models are given new life at Philkotse.com.