Skip to content

LAND ROVER DEFENDER LIVES ON

LAND ROVER LAUNCHES V8 EDITION TO CELEBRATE 70TH ANNIVERSARY

Land Rover today announces a limited-edition high-performance version of the iconic Defender, with up to 150 V8-powered examples re-engineered to celebrate the Land Rover marque’s 70thanniversary in 2018.

The Defender Works V8 pays homage to the early high-powered engines in both the Series III Stage 1 V8 from 1979 and subsequent Defenders including the 50th Anniversary Edition, which are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors today.

Defender Works V8 is the most powerful and fastest version that Land Rover has ever created. The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 powertrain produces 405PS and 515 Nm of torque (the standard Defender delivered 122PS and 360 Nm). The Defender Works V8 will accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.6sec*, while top speed is increased to 106mph.

Collector’s edition – Limited run of up to 150 Defenders badged 70th Edition

Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “It’s fitting that we’ve been able to release the full potential of the iconic Defender, whose much-loved shape remains synonymous with Land Rover, 70 years since it was seen in public for the first time.

“The idea of reintroducing a V8 Defender was something we were discussing as far back as 2014, when we were still building the Defender in Solihull. We knew the demand was there for a powerful and fast Defender; the Land Rover authenticity is the ultimate finishing touch for discerning clients purchasing these collector’s edition Defenders.”

The V8 powertrain will be fitted to 150 specially-selected and re-engineered Defenders for the 70th Edition, complemented by an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with sport mode, uprated brakes and handling kit (springs, dampers and anti-roll bars), plus exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels and 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres.

Eight standard body colours include two satin finishes – contrasting with a Santorini Black roof, wheel arches and front grille – finished with machined aluminium door handles, fuel filler cap and Defender bonnet lettering. A comprehensive lighting upgrade includes bi-LED headlamps.

Full Windsor Leather interior trim covers the dashboard, door panels, headlining and Recaro sports seats. Land Rover Classic’s own Classic Infotainment System is also fitted.

All enquiries from prospective Defender Works V8 clients should be directed to Land Rover Classic: [email protected]

Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 derivatives will be available to purchase direct from Land Rover Classic, with prices starting from £150,000 for a 90 in the UK.

A select number of high-performance upgrades inspired by Defender Works V8 will also be available to purchase soon from Land Rover Classic, including power upgrades for the TDCi diesel engine, fast-road suspension and braking kits.

Land Rover Defender Works V8

Land Rover Defender Works V8

Land Rover Defender Works V8

Land Rover Defender Works V8

 

Mintex Front Brake Discs 298mm Pair For Land Rover Defender 3.9 V8
eBay
£80.26
Mintex Front Brake Discs 298mm Pair For Land Rover Defender 3.9 V8
RANGE ROVER + DEFENDER & DISCOVERY 3.5 3.9 4.0 4.2 4.6 V8 NEW STARTER MOTOR
eBay
£79.95
RANGE ROVER + DEFENDER & DISCOVERY 3.5 3.9 4.0 4.2 4.6 V8 NEW STARTER MOTOR
Milltek Land Rover Defender 110 5.0 V8 Exhaust System Non Resonated SSXLR128
eBay
£3,222.00
Milltek Land Rover Defender 110 5.0 V8 Exhaust System Non Resonated SSXLR128
Milltek 5.0 V8 Defender 110 Exhaust System Non Resonated SSXLR126 Black Tips
eBay
£2,833.00
Milltek 5.0 V8 Defender 110 Exhaust System Non Resonated SSXLR126 Black Tips
Revotec Electric Fan Conversion Kit - Land Rover Defender 90 110 V8 - DA8966
eBay
£410.99
Revotec Electric Fan Conversion Kit - Land Rover Defender 90 110 V8 - DA8966
X2 PCS TAILE GATE GAS SPRINGS BOOT CARGO 430719149700 MAGNETI MARELLI I
eBay
£51.00
X2 PCS TAILE GATE GAS SPRINGS BOOT CARGO 430719149700 MAGNETI MARELLI I
LAND ROVER DEFENDER CARPET KIT FRONT TO SUIT 300TDI & TD5 – R380 GEARBOX -NOT V8
eBay
£239.95
LAND ROVER DEFENDER CARPET KIT FRONT TO SUIT 300TDI & TD5 – R380 GEARBOX -NOT V8
Fits Land Rover Defender 3.9 V8 Genuine Apec Front Solid Brake Disc & Pad Set
eBay
£80.76
Fits Land Rover Defender 3.9 V8 Genuine Apec Front Solid Brake Disc & Pad Set
Land Rover Defender Diesel Quicksilver Exhaust Sound Architect ( V8 Sound )
eBay
£3,200.00
Land Rover Defender Diesel Quicksilver Exhaust Sound Architect ( V8 Sound )
ESR3980 - Genuine Land Rover Discovery 1 V8 Purge Valve
eBay
£243.60
ESR3980 - Genuine Land Rover Discovery 1 V8 Purge Valve
-34%
Land Rover Defender Fuse box module 110 2022 5.0 V8 L663 l8b214a073
eBay
£92.62 £142.49
Land Rover Defender Fuse box module 110 2022 5.0 V8 L663 l8b214a073
DriveTorque Stg 3 Clutch for Landrover Defender 110 3.5i V8 4x4 (09/90>12/94)
eBay
£546.90
DriveTorque Stg 3 Clutch for Landrover Defender 110 3.5i V8 4x4 (09/90>12/94)
RASTAR 1003 Land Rover Defender - Radio Controlled Remote car, Various
Amazon.co.uk
£40.70
PRIMEPRIME
RASTAR 1003 Land Rover Defender - Radio Controlled Remote car, Various
-12%
Land Rover 90, 110 & Defender Diesel (83 - 07) Haynes Repair Manual (Service & Repair Manuals)
Amazon.co.uk
£22.84 £26.00
PRIMEPRIME
Land Rover 90, 110 & Defender Diesel (83 - 07) Haynes Repair Manual (Service & Repair Manuals)
Amazon price updated: April 15, 2025 7:20 am