Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Trophy II pays tribute to expeditions

Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Trophy II pays tribute to expeditions

‍

With the boxy physique, robust stance, and exceptional off-road temperament, the legendary Land Rover Defender has always been an ideal weapon for tackling even the harshest of terrains.

‍

Sadly, its production ended in 2016 after being in production for decades, and to date, it remains a cult classic sought after by many.

‍

The good thing is that the icon is making a comeback. Thank the people at Land Rover's Classic division. They worked to bring back the exclusive Defender Works V8 Trophy II, but only a limited number are available.

‍

Available in 90, 110 and 110 pick-up body styles, the resurrected Classic Defender Works V8 Trophy is based on the 2012-2016 donor vehicles. All models are powered by a 5.0-litre V8 naturally-aspirated engine with 298 kW of power and 515 Nm of torque.

‍

It comes fitted with an 8-speed automatic with a Pistol Shifter, all-wheel-drive, 2-speed transfer box, heavy-duty front and rear differentials, and a torque-biasing centre differential.

‍

Expedition details

‍

‍

The Defender is finished in bespoke black and white camouflage, which gives the model a prototype-like look. It's developed with the design team at Land Rover Special Vehicles and illustrates some 23 locations the Defender has conquered in its 70+ years of history, including places from The Camel Trophy.

‍

As for the main body, it's painted in Fuji White with a contrasting Narvik Black roof and Gloss Black exterior elements such as rivets, screws and vents. It tackles the beaten-track wearing gloss black 18" Sawtooth alloy wheels.

‍

The front is equipped with a protective A-frame that houses a winch ahead of a bespoke front grille, a black bonnet finished in a satin hue, and a full-width 1.27 m LED light bar which night riders will appreciate.

‍

With a wading depth of 500 mm (the current Defender has 900 mm), the Classic Defender Works V8 Trophy II gets a rear recovery point, rock sliders, and an external roll bar for added body protection when driving in rocky terrain. There's a rear ladder that provides access to the expedition roof rack.

‍

Trendy interior

‍

‍

Inside, the reinvigorated Defender is fitted with Recaro sports seats finished in high-quality black and white Windsor leather with contrast stitching. The dashboard, doors and headliner get the handcrafted leather treatment.

‍

Land Rover Classic modernised the interior by fitting a trendy infotainment system with built-in navigation, mobile device connectivity, and a new gear selector. A bespoke Land Rover Trophy clock face by Elliot Brown, placed in the centrepiece of the dashboard, rounds off the modern look of the interior.

‍

Just in case you're late to the Defender's order books, Elliot Brown is releasing 1,000 watches inspired by the subject at hand.

‍

Of the 25 units to be built, five will be double cab pick-ups while the remaining 20 will be split between 90 and 110 body styles equally. They can be bought directly from Land Rover Classic. 

‍