By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    BMW and Alvaro Barrington celebrate hydrogen mobility at Art Basel in Basel 2025
    June 18, 2025
    MHB DEALER EXPO 2025 – A Premier Automotive Networking Experience
    June 17, 2025
    Entries Open for The Cape 1000 – South Africa’s Most Beautiful Drive Returns for 2026
    June 10, 2025
    Ulterio Motiv Toyota Land Cruiser 6×6 and 6×4 to invade Land Cruiser Festival
    June 3, 2025
    Maserati enthrals at FuoriConcorso with GT2 Stradale and MCXtrema
    May 14, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    Desmo450 MX: Production of the first Ducati Motocross bike begins
    May 28, 2025
    25YM Honda NC750X
    May 13, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RS
    May 2, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RT
    April 30, 2025
    Honda NC750X Named Winner in 2025 Red Dot Design Award
    April 10, 2025
  • News
    NewsShow More
    ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS ONCE AGAIN INSPIRES FUTURE GENERATIONS THROUGH ‘DARE TO DREAM’ PROGRAMME
    June 25, 2025
    The XC60 is now the best-selling Volvo car of all time
    June 25, 2025
    Mercedes-Benz South Africa announces key personnel changes within its Executive Committee
    June 25, 2025
    Continental Increases Share of Renewable and Recycled Materials
    June 25, 2025
    AUMOVIO to Focus on Value- and Growth-oriented Development
    June 25, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    TOYOTA GAZOO Racing unveils liquid hydrogen-fueled “GR LH2 Racing Concept” at Le Mans
    June 11, 2025
    FIAT unveils the manifesto Grande Panda 4×4
    May 20, 2025
    Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept makes its global debut at Roland-Garros 2025
    May 16, 2025
    Hyundai Motor and Plus Unveil Concept for Autonomous Hydrogen Freight Ecosystem at ACT Expo 202
    May 2, 2025
    Hyundai Motor Unveils the new IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line
    April 5, 2025
  • Interviews
    InterviewsShow More
    24-hour race at Le Mans, the Nürburgring and Spa – triple marathon for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport
    June 10, 2025
    Kosmas “Dudie” Mamaloukos – The Formidable Racing Talent
    May 15, 2025
    Hi-Range Safari City
    Hi-Range Safari City – The Premier outfitter for 4×4 customization
    May 15, 2025
    BEHIND THE SCENES: ARCHIE RUTHERFORD ON WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING THE W2RC TO SOUTH AFRICA
    May 9, 2025
    Europe and China’s automotive future in a shifting global order
    May 5, 2025
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    Polestar 3 OTA update introduces new Abbey Road Studios Mode exclusively for Bowers & Wilkins audio system
    June 18, 2025
    No Compromise Ford Ranger PHEV Brings Electric Power to Europe’s Best-Selling Pickup
    June 18, 2025
    Scania launches MCS rapid charging solution at EVS38
    June 18, 2025
    Ford Begins Capri and Explorer Battery Pack Assembly in Cologne
    June 17, 2025
    Special Envoy Launches XPress – SA’s First Full EV Courier Fleet
    June 11, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    Mercedes-AMG Media Guide for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa
    June 25, 2025
    Castrol Neil Woolridge Motorsport Team Ready to Unleash Ford Ranger at Bronkhorstspruit Opener
    June 25, 2025
    Two Porsche 911 GT3 R finish on the Nürburgring podium after 24 hours
    June 24, 2025
    BMW M4 GT3 EVO celebrates its first win of the season at the Six Hours of the Glen
    June 23, 2025
    24h Nürburgring: Mercedes-AMG without racing luck at the Eifel classic
    June 23, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    Scania launches MCS rapid charging solution at EVS38
    June 18, 2025
    Daimler Truck and Volvo Group launch Coretura
    June 17, 2025
    Volvo Trucks launches upgraded Volvo Dynamic Steering system to increase road safety
    June 17, 2025
    MAN starts series production of electric trucks
    June 17, 2025
    UD Trucks Southern Africa celebrates dealers breaking barriers at 2025 awards ceremony
    June 11, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    Introducing the Land Cruiser Hybrid 48V: a new powertrain for Toyota’s legendary SUV
    June 23, 2025
    THE NEW HAVAL H6 SUV IS HERE, AND IT’S BUILT FOR BIG MOMENTS!
    June 18, 2025
    THE NEW PEUGEOT E-208 GTi MORE PLEASURE. MORE GTi THAN EVER!
    June 17, 2025
    New BMW XM options: maximum exclusivity and breathtaking performance.
    June 12, 2025
    The Audi Q5 e-hybrid: all-rounder with great electric range
    June 11, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    New Kia App provides European drivers with a unified digital experience
    June 17, 2025
    Abbey Road Studios Mode makes global debut in Volvo EX90
    June 17, 2025
    Audi develops the picking process of the future
    June 2, 2025
    Volvo EX90 LiDAR and smartphone cameras: What you need to know
    June 2, 2025
    VNC Automotive Partners with P3 to Enhance the SPARQ OS Platform
    May 29, 2025
Hot News
Mercedes-AMG Media Guide for the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa
ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS ONCE AGAIN INSPIRES FUTURE GENERATIONS THROUGH ‘DARE TO DREAM’ PROGRAMME
The XC60 is now the best-selling Volvo car of all time
Mercedes-Benz South Africa announces key personnel changes within its Executive Committee
Continental Increases Share of Renewable and Recycled Materials
Latest News

MINI Plant Oxford celebrates start of production of the new MINI Cooper

Latest News

Stellantis success at Festival of Motoring 2024

Latest News

Volkswagen Group with 9 million deliveries after strong fourth quarter

Motosport

DAKAR RALLY STAGE 11: Brabec holds onto the overall lead as the final day approaches

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Latest NewsReviews

LAND ROVER CLASSIC REVEALS CLASSIC DEFENDER WORKS V8 ISLAY EDITION

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: May 4, 2023 09:42
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
1k Views
10 Min Read
Share
10 Min Read
SHARE

Land Rover Classic has revealed its first heritage themed special edition Defender – the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition. The themed edition celebrates both the remarkable Spencer Wilks, Managing Director of the Rover Car Company and one of the founders of Land Rover, and the Isle of Islay, Scotland, where the Land Rover name was born, as contributors to the unrivalled legacy of Defender.

The Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is inspired by a Series IIa Land Rover owned and used by Spencer Wilks, that now forms part of the Land Rover Classic collection, and the Hebridean island where he holidayed.

- Advertisement -
Ad image

The Wilks’ Laggan Estate on Islay was used to test early prototypes and in 1947, while driving his heavily modified Rover across the rugged landscape, the estate’s gamekeeper remarked that it must be a “Land Rover”, thus the name was born.

Based on the same technical specification as the Classic Defender Works V8, the Islay Edition is powered by a 405hp 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Each one is comprehensively restored, re-engineered and upgraded, utilising donor vehicles from 2012-2016. Each carefully crafted and hand-assembled vehicle provides a unique proposition to discerning clients looking for a truly luxurious, comprehensively engineered, collectible classic Defender, direct from the original manufacturer.

The Works V8 Islay Edition will be limited to 30 examples, all Station Wagons, with 17 available as a 90 short wheelbase and 13 available as a seven-seat 110 version.

In 2023, we celebrate 75 years of Land Rover. Spencer Wilks and the Isle of Islay are an important part of our history, and the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is a fitting way to help us celebrate a landmark anniversary. It references a special vehicle in our collection, Spencer Wilks’ beautiful Series IIa, and is influenced by the special products and incredible nature of Islay itself. The authenticity, modern engineering, and exquisite execution from our skilled engineers and technicians, make this limited-edition Classic Defender a very special vehicle for our discerning clients looking for the ultimate heritage Land Rover.

PAUL BARRITT
DIRECTOR, LAND ROVER CLASSIC
TIMELESS EXTERIOR

The Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is finished in Heritage Grey – informed by the Mid Grey paint of Wilks’ original vehicle – with a contrast roof and heavy-duty steel wheels finished in Limestone. The wheelarches are also finished in Heritage Grey for an even more refined exterior design.

Traditional Land Rover logos and badging are finished in body colour and there’s a classic-style grille, familiar from the run-out Defender Heritage Limited Edition, while rear mudflaps also feature the iconic heritage branding.

Unique to the Works V8 Islay Edition is a side graphic reading ‘GXC 639C’ – the registration of Wilks’ Series IIa – which provides a subtle nod to the vehicle that inspired this themed version of the ultimate classic Defender.

As has been the case for previous editions of Defender Works V8s, the Islay Edition features modern enhancements including LED headlights for enhanced visibility. These technical additions extend to comprehensive enhancements under the skin, which include uprated suspension and braking systems, tailored for superior on-road performance and dynamics.

AUTHENTIC INTERIOR

The interior of the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is where the vehicle’s connection to the Isle of Islay, the origins of Land Rover (including the genesis of the Land Rover name itself), really comes to life, with thoughtful touches and incredible attention to detail.

Luxurious Land Rover Windsor Ebony leather covers the Premium Defender seats, side trim, doors, roof lining and dashboard. A body colour detail surrounds the centre console and Classic Infotainment System, the latter incorporates modern functionality such as satellite navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth into an original display and facia. The same Heritage Grey body colour surrounds the pistol shifter gearlever for the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Beside the gearlever is a plaque detailing the story of how the Land Rover name came to be, when the estate gamekeeper, Ian Duncan, is reported to have exclaimed to Wilks – who was testing a heavily modified Rover that would become the Series I on Islay’s Laggan Estate – that it must be the new “Land” Rover he was driving. In addition, the Land Rover heritage logo is embossed on the steering wheel and seat headrests. Meanwhile, unusually for a Classic Defender, all the footwells are carpeted for an added touch of luxury.

The links to the Isle of Islay are weaved into the thoughtful details found throughout the interior. The shoulder area of the seats, sections of the door cards, the lid of the central armrest and detail hidden behind the sun visor are all finished in a tactile specially chosen tweed, crafted by the Islay Woollen Mill – providing a unique connection to the location and its place in Defender’s history.

The pattern of the tweed features an earthy base that echoes the local landscape. Land Rover Classic chose colours to represent the area, with blue for the sea and the sky of Islay, purple to reference the local heather, and a subtle yellow chosen to reference the peaty grassy landscape. The special fabric also features on a unique pouch in the centre cubby, for stowing small items such as a smartphone.

The central stowage space features a bespoke detail that strengthens the link back to Islay. Its removable tray, complete with leather tabs, features the oak of whisky barrels sourced from the islands award winning  Kilchoman distillery.

Each tray features a unique 110mm wooden disc replicating the end of a whisky barrel and is made from a specific piece of the wood that displays the authentic stencilled lettering, meaning every vehicle is a one of a kind. The disc is set into the tray, which is finished in American Walnut wood veneer to complement the whisky barrel oak, with beautiful dovetail joints for an exquisite finish. The specially crafted surround showcases the distillery and Woollen Mill in the same stencilled font, just like a genuine whisky barrel – and includes the official Land Rover 75th anniversary logo. The base of each cup holder is also made from the whisky barrel wood.

Kilchoman Distillery has a family connection to Spencer Wilks, whose granddaughter Kathy Wills established the distillery with her husband, Anthony, in 2005, providing an authentic link between the original vehicle’s heritage, its namesake, the beautiful island and the unique features found in the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition. A ‘639’ limited edition whisky is also being produced in honour of the Defender Islay, and each client will be presented with a bottle to enhance their vehicle’s collectability.

Oak wood veneer detailing extends to the rear loadspace floor, and the beautifully finished and durable feature meets the same rigorous quality and engineering standards as those used on the latest production Range Rovers. The clock on the centre of the dashboard also mirrors the wood grain of the other features.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

The Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition uses the same foundations as the Classic Defender Works V8. Each vehicle is a painstakingly restored and rebuilt classic Defender that has been expertly sourced by Land Rover Classic’s specialists.

Donor vehicles date from 2012-2016 and Land Rover Classic installs a modern naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 powertrain with eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Offering 405hp and 515Nm of torque, performance is effortless.

The Islay Edition – like the Works V8 – will accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds, while top speed is rated at 106mph. Every example is specially selected and reengineered, with the Defender Suspension Upgrade Kit comprising uniquely tuned suspension that’s tailored for enhanced on-road comfort and dynamics, with revised coil spring rate and dampers. The Handling Upgrade Kit is also included, which provides uprated Works V8 specification brake discs, pads and calipers for enhanced stopping power.

TAGGED:DefenderIslay EditionLand Rover Classic

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You Might Also Like

Motosport

Epic Adventures: Defender confirms three-year Dakar and FIA World Rally-Raid Championship works programme

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
January 6, 2025
Latest News

Defender gets power upgrade with introduction of new diesel engine

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
January 22, 2025
Reviews

LAND ROVER CLASSIC INTRODUCES NEW CLASSIC DEFENDER PARTS AT GOODWOOD REVIVAL

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
September 21, 2023
Latest News

JLR SALES RISE IN FOURTH QUARTER AS CHIP SUPPLY CONTINUES TO RECOVER

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 12, 2023
Latest NewsTechnology

Qualcomm to Bring 5G Capabilities to JLR’s Next Generation Models

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
September 7, 2023
Latest News

JLR INVESTS IN VEHICLE SECURITY TO REDUCE THEFTS

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
November 24, 2023

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Made by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2023

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner