Land Rover Classic is continuing the formidable expedition legacy of the original Defender with a limited production run of adventure-ready Defender Works V8 Trophy vehicles for an exclusive competition at Eastnor Castle in 2021.
DEFENDER WORKS V8
Based on the re-engineered 2012-2016 Defender Works V8 specification developed by Land Rover Classic, producing 298 kW and 515 Nm from a 5.0-litre V8 petrol powertrain, eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and comprehensive uprated suspension, steering, and braking packages, the Trophy vehicles feature a wide range of additional upgrades specifically tailored for off-road use.
Twenty-five examples of the Defender Works V8 Trophy, in a mixture of 90 and 110 body designs, will be exclusively finished in a unique Eastnor Yellow paint colour with matching 16-inch steel wheels. Contrasting Narvik Black paintwork features on the wheel arches, bonnet, and rear door. The purpose-built vehicles also receive LED headlamps, a Heritage front grille, unique Land Rover Trophy badging, and event participation graphics personalised to each customer.
The Defender Works V8 Trophy is designed to tackle the most demanding endurance challenges. Additional all-terrain kit includes a front winch, multi-point expedition cage, roof rack, underbody protection, A-bar, raised air intake, LED spotlights, and mud-terrain tyres.
Inside, the instantly recognisable 4×4 benefits from full black Windsor leather upholstery with Recaro sports seats, contrast yellow stitching, and a bespoke Land Rover Trophy clock face by Elliot Brown. Land Rover Classic’s own Classic Infotainment System with integrated navigation and mobile device connectivity is also fitted.
Later this year*, Defender Works V8 Trophy customers will be invited to compete in an exclusive three-day adventure at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire – the spiritual home of Land Rover all-terrain training, testing, and development. This will be the first time customers drive their car.
Dan Pink, Director, Land Rover Classic, said: “The Land Rover Defender has always been more than just a vehicle, its engineering capability and suitability for overland expedition and all-terrain competition means it’s renowned with getting away from it all. The new Land Rover Trophy will bring this to life for a new generation of adventurers.
“Experiences are a key part of Land Rover Classic’s DNA and this whole concept comes directly from feedback we’ve received. Our customers want to create their own stories, battle scars and patina with their Works V8 Trophy vehicles from day one, fuelling campfire chats with like-minded enthusiasts.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting and memorable event, full of camaraderie, and continuing the Land Rover Trophy legend for years to come. Seeing the silhouette of these vehicles which you’ll instantly know as a Land Rover, traversing the hills at Eastnor, will be a defining moment of the adventure.”
BESPOKE TROPHY EXPERIENCE
On seeing their Defender Works V8 Trophy for the first time, customers and their co-drivers will make their first marks by adding their names and country flags to the vehicle. They will then embark on a range of challenges inspired by famous global adventures and competitions spanning more than seven decades of Land Rover production.
Expert one-to-one tuition will be provided as part of the adventure, giving customers a unique opportunity to develop extreme driving techniques and skills in their own vehicle, before putting their training to the test. Everyone will compete for a range of prizes, including a grand prize for the overall winner – to be announced later in 2021.
Familiar faces from Land Rover’s adventure heritage feature in the Defender Works V8 Trophy launch film, including racing driver, stunt driver, and Land Rover ambassador Jessica Hawkins, alongside Camel Trophy participants such as 1989 event winner Bob Ives. A number of these experts will also be on-hand at the Land Rover Trophy to share their knowledge and experiences.
The Land Rover Trophy event will be supported by the New Defender and carefully selected brand partners Elliot Brown, Fat Face and Musto, who have created complementary products specifically for Defender Works V8 Trophy customers.
SOUTH AFRICAN DEFENDER WORKS V8 TROPHY ORDERS
Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 Trophy derivatives are now available to order direct from Land Rover Classic, with prices starting from £195,000 for a 90 in the UK, which is R3 947 000 at today’s exchange rate without taxes and import duties.
Good news for South African customers is that a Defender Works V8 Trophy is available on an individual import basis, subject to rules on importation of vehicle conversions. Should you be interested contact
sales@classic-jaguarlandrover.
READ: Kingsley Holgate Foundation reunited with Land Rover Defender
LAND ROVER DEFENDER WORKS V8 TROPHY
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Engine capacity (cc) 4,999
Cylinders V8 naturally-aspirated petrol (EU5)
Power 298 kW @ 6,000rpm
Torque 515 Nm @ 5,000rpm
Transmission 8-speed automatic with Pistol Shifter, All-Wheel Drive, two-speed transfer box, heavy-duty front and rear differentials, torque-biasing center differential
CHASSIS
Front and rear suspension
Front: live beam axle, coil springs, telescopic dampers. Panhard rod and radius arms. Anti-roll bar
Rear: live beam axle, coil springs, telescopic dampers. ‘A’ frame and trailing links. Anti-roll bar.
Front brakes: Servo-assisted, 335mm discs, four-piston calipers
Rear brakes: Servo-assisted, 300mm discs, four-piston calipers
Wheels and tyres: 16-inch heavy-duty steel wheels, 235/85 R16 mud-terrain tyres
Steering: Recirculating ball, power-assisted
Text & images: Land Rover South Africa
-END-
