Land Rover has announced the next in its series of V8-powered restomods, called Defender V8 by Works Bespoke. Following on from the other V8 models built by Works – such as the Trophy series vehicles and the most-recent Islay Edition – the Works Bespoke gets the same 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, with a whole host of new customer-selected specifications.
As before, these ‘new’ Defenders are actually based on existing donor vehicles built between 2012 to 2016. These are then stripped back to a bare chassis and modified to accept the package of mechanical changes that underpin the Works Bespoke. Work them commences on the body and interior, which will now be offered with an extended choice of materials, interior and exterior colour combinations, finishes, accessories, and upgrades.
The new model is available in either 90 or 110 body styles, and customers can choose from Heritage, Contemporary, Premium or SV Metallic palettes, or go for a ‘match to sample’ bespoke option. There are Heritage, Standard or Adventure grilles too, and a choice of either 16-inch Wolf wheels or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys.
Under the bonnet sits the naturally-aspirated version of JLR’s 5.0 V8 engine with 405bhp and 380lb ft of torque, transmitted to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission – making it not only one of the fastest, but also easiest to drive and most comfortable classic Defenders you can experience. The suspension is upgraded to cope with the extra power, and there’s a set of Alcon brakes to help it stop.
The new model is expected to make its debut at the Goodwood Revival, with prices set to start at £190,000 for the four-seat 90 Station Wagon, £199,000 for the five-seat 110 Station Wagon and a seven-seat 110 Station Wagon is also available from £204,000 – all prices not including local taxes.
Find out more about the Works bespoke, and play on the configurator here
