Bonkers Land Rover Defender celebrates founder’s vehicle
PETER BARNWELL
LAND ROVER’s much loved Series III Defender is not dead and buried despite the new generation model totally hogging the limelight.
A mob called Land Rover Classic (LRC) is dedicated to the restoration and modification of old Landys and they have come up with this crackin’ good version of a Series III called the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition.
Under the fairly utilitarian bodywork lies a 298kW, 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine and eight speed ZF auto transmission that should make the model, available in short and long wheelbase, pay attention when the right foot is planted.
The vehicle has been built to celebrate one of the brand’s founder and former managing director of the Rover Car Company, Spencer Wilks, and the Isle of Islay, Scotland, where the Land Rover name was born.
The bonkers Classic rebirth model was inspired by the Series IIa Land Rover owned and driven by Mr Wilks – a vehicle which now forms part of the Land Rover Classic collection.
The original Wilks-mobile wouldn’t have had 298kW under the bonnet which, in the remake, is sourced from the Classic Defender Works V8.
Like that model, the Islay Edition is produced from what Land Rover Classic says is a “comprehensively restored, re-engineered and upgraded” donor car, which much be produced between 2012 and 2016 to be eligible for conversion.
But you’ll have to be quick as LRC will produce just 30 examples of the hand-built vehicle, all wagons with 17 available as a short-wheelbase 90s and 13 as a seven-seat 110s. Pricing is listed at an eye-watering £230,000 ($A433,730) for the 90 and £245,000 ($A461,970) for the 110.
The model is finished in Heritage Grey paint, in a nod to Mr Wilks’ Mid Grey original, the Islay Edition features a contrasting roof and heavy-duty steel wheels in Limestone, the wheel arches colour-coded to the body colour to offer what Land Rover Classic says is a “refined” look.
Badging is also colour-coded while, up front, the Islay Edition features a classic-style grille, familiar from the run-out Defender Heritage Edition a couple of years ago. Rear mudflaps also feature the iconic Land Rover heritage logo.
A unique feature on the 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 the remake. Other highlights include LED headlights and uprated suspension and brakes Land Rover Classic says provide “superior on-road performance and dynamics”.
Inside the Islay Edition we find a range of thoughtful touches and “incredible attention to detail” aimed at embracing the spirit of Mr Wilks’ IIa.
The upholstery is in Windsor Ebony leather with body-coloured surrounds featuring on the centre control and infotainment stack. A modern touchscreen infotainment unit contains satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio reception and Bluetooth connectivity.
Contrasting tweed finishes, in colours chosen to represent the Hebridean island of the model’s name, add a sentimental touch to the vehicle’s décor, while Heritage Grey paint surrounds the pistol-style gear shift level, beside which is a commemorative plaque.
The central storage compartment includes leather tabs and oak finishes, the latter sourced from whisky barrels from Islay’s Kilchoman Distillery – the distillery established by Kathy Wilks, granddaughter of Spencer Wilks, and her husband back in 2005.
Marking the occasion of the vehicle’s release, Kilchoman Distillery has produced a limited edition ‘639’ whisky that will be gifted to each Islay Edition customer.
Real oak wood veneer detailing covers the rear load space.
That 5.0-litre engine crammed into the engine bay is a Classic Defender Works naturally aspirated V8 producing 298kW and 515Nm which the manufacturers say delivers “effortless performance”. To the stirring throb of a V8, it propels this special Defender to 100km/h in a rapid 5.6 seconds on its way to a restricted top speed of 106mph (171km/h).
“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,” said Land Rover Classic director, Paul Barritt.
“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.”
Sales enquiries can be directed to sales@classic-jaguarlandrover.com
Protect your Classic. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.
