When the classic Land Rover Defender was phased out in 2016, fans of the iconic British off-roader were understandably upset. Some decided to hoard the very last examples, while others tried to restart production (before turning out their own interpretation of what a modern Defender should be). But perhaps we all needn’t have worried quite so much — because it seems, seven years on, that Land Rover (or should we say JLR now?) isn’t ready to let their original Defender die just yet.
Of course, that comes with a few rather large caveats. Firstly, production of the classic Defender hasn’t been restarted by any means. To give it its full title, the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition has been created by Land Rover Classic using donor Works V8s produced between 2012–2016. Only 30 examples will be available in total. Additionally, you’ll have to cough up a healthy amount for the privilege too: £230,000 (about $290,000 at current exchange rates) for the three-door 90 version or £245,000 ($308,500) for the seven-seater five-door 110 models.
So what does this eye-watering price get you? Well, as the special edition comes from Land Rover Classic, it’s been quite literally given a factory restoration. The 5.0-liter V8 engine puts out the same 399 bhp (405 PS / 298 kW) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque delivered via an 8-speed ZF gearbox. That’s enough for a 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) time of 5.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 106 mph (171 km/h).
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To help tame this power, the Islay gets retuned suspension with new spring rates and dampers. In the same spirit, there’s also the addition of the Handling Upgrade Kit, which adds uprated brake discs, pads, and calipers. What stays distinctly old-school is the drivetrain, which features a two-speed transfer box, a torque-distributing center diff with live axles, and a recirculating ball steering system.
The inspiration for the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition comes from the testing of early prototypes on the Wilks’ Laggan Estate on the Isle of Islay, Scotland, in the late forties. The design of the special edition is inspired by a Series IIa Land Rover owned and used by Spencer Wilks, Managing Director of the Rover Car Company and one of the founders of Land Rover.
The body color is Hertiage Grey with matching wheel arches and a contrasting roof, while the heavy-duty steel wheels are finished in Limestone. The grille is borrowed from the run-out Heritage edition, with body-colored badging and heritage-branded mudflaps. There’s also a side graphic with the registration plate of the car the Islay Edition commemorates — “GXC 639C.”
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As you’d rather hope for in an off-roader (limited edition or otherwise) that is priced higher than the starting price of a Bentley Bentayga, the interior sees the brunt of the updates. The cabin is bathed in “Luxurious Land Rover Windsor Ebony” leather, while the footwells are carpeted — a rare touch of luxury because, well, this is a Defender, after all. What isn’t leather is stitched in tweed that originates from the Islay Woollen Mil, with colors chosen to represent the area.
In addition to the car itself, there’s also a commemorative whiskey available to mark the creation of the Isley Edition. The Kilchoman Distillery was co-created by Kathy Wills, the granddaughter of Spencer Wilks. Limited to just 639 bottles (a nod to the Series II’s license plate), you can serve said whiskey on a set of removable trays located in the Defender. Each tray is created from the original whiskey casks from the distillery.
So, is this special edition a fitting tribute or something you’d rather have stayed on the drawing board? Let us know in the comments!
