Skip advert
Advertisement

Land Rover Classic reveals £195,000 Defender Works V8 Trophy

The original Defender is back, with Land Rover Classic revealing the Defender Works V8 Trophy

The new Land Rover Defender has been on the road for nearly two years now, but for those who are only interested in one of a more classical nature, Land Rover Classic might have the SUV for you. The new-build classic Defender Works V8 Trophy will be limited to just 25 units, and costs from £195,000. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The continuation build has its foundations in the Defender Works project launched in 2018, but comes with significantly more power from JLR’s naturally aspirated 5-litre V8. Peak performance figures are rated at 399bhp and 380lb ft of which are sent to Land Rover’s typical four-wheel drive system via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Though somewhat irrelevant in such a car, performance figures are likely to be similar to the previous Defender Works which posted a 5.6sec 0-60mph time and limited 106mph top speed.

> Land Rover Defender Works – celebrating 70 years of the iconic model

This new run has been created to celebrate the Defenders that embarked on incredible expeditions around the globe since the Defender moniker appeared in 1983. As a result, it comes equipped with a handful of additional kit, such as reinforced front and rear differentials, beefy four-piston brake calipers front and rear and upgraded suspension. There’s also a tow-rated winch mounted to the front bar, enhanced underbody protection, a raised intake and powerful LED lighting, possibly making the V8 Trophy the ultimate expedition Defender to come out from a factory gate. 

Buyer of the V8 Trophy will also be taken onto a three-day Trophy adventure drive at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire, the home of testing and development for the marque. 

Available in both 90 and 110 form, all Defender Works V8 Trophys will be finished in a bespoke Eastnor Yellow finish with body-coloured 16-inch steel wheels. A black leather cabin complete with Recaro sports seats finishes off the interior’s updates, with Land Rover’s own infotainment system also fitted to aid navigation.

Both derivatives are available to order now, with prices starting from £195,000, a £45,000 premium over the 2018 Land Rover Defender Works. These prices might sound extortionate for what is a classic Land Rover Defender, but given their hand-built nature will feel worth every penny to their passionate buyers.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Land Rover Defender 90 V8 Fast Fleet test – living with the 5-litre V8 4x4
evo Fast Fleet Land Rover Defender 90 V8
Long term tests

Land Rover Defender 90 V8 Fast Fleet test – living with the 5-litre V8 4x4

It can tackle the wild, but can this 2.5-ton 4x4 also thrill on the road? We’re about to find out…
7 Nov 2025
£18k off a Land Rover Defender Octa – save 12 percent on the best super SUV
Defender Octa
News

£18k off a Land Rover Defender Octa – save 12 percent on the best super SUV

In a world of £300k Ferrari Purosangues and the £210k Aston Martin DBX S, this Defender Octa looks like great value
2 Oct 2025
Land Rover Defender V8 Soft Top could be an Octa from 25 years ago
Land Rover Defender V8 Soft Top
News

Land Rover Defender V8 Soft Top could be an Octa from 25 years ago

The latest six-figure classic Defender in the works bespoke lineup is a convertible, for maximum access to that rumbling V8
25 Apr 2025
Land Rover Defender Octa 2025 review – so much more than a ‘Defender SV’
Land Rover Defender Octa
Reviews

Land Rover Defender Octa 2025 review – so much more than a ‘Defender SV’

Put aside your SUV cynicism. The Land Rover Defender Octa is credit to SVO, with 911 GT3 levels of engineering that's an unexpected thrill to drive
17 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Toyota’s new 400bhp four-cylinder aims squarely at Mercedes-AMG
Toyota GR Corolla
News

Toyota’s new 400bhp four-cylinder aims squarely at Mercedes-AMG

Toyota’s pushing on with the development of an all-new, high-performance four-cylinder power plant that could make its hot hatches hyper
10 Nov 2025
Bugatti Mistral review – behind the wheel of the £5m W16 swansong
Bugatti Mistral
Reviews

Bugatti Mistral review – behind the wheel of the £5m W16 swansong

When you’re invited to drive the 1578bhp, 282mph, convertible Bugatti Mistral, the one thing you don’t need is rain. But when it’s the final outing fo…
9 Nov 2025
Used Porsche Cayman GT4 (981, 2015 – 2016) review: a flat-six hero from £55k
Porsche Cayman GT4 981
Reviews

Used Porsche Cayman GT4 (981, 2015 – 2016) review: a flat-six hero from £55k

The appeal of one of our favourite sports cars hasn’t diminished a decade on from launch
10 Nov 2025