Collector’s Edition Defender Works V8 Celebrates 70th Anniversary

In celebration of its 70th Anniversary, Land Rover Classic is crafting the ultimate tribute to this iconic SUV boasting a V8 engine with 405 horsepower, making it the most powerful and refined Defender ever created back in 2018.

It’s what fans of this iconic beast have been yearning for, and now it’s finally here. The new Land Rover Defender Works V8 will go down in history as the storied model’s fastest, most powerful example to date. But with only 150 units produced, this limited-edition Defender may not find its way into your garage anytime soon.

Powered by a supercharged V8

new defender 2018 land rover 70th anniversary edition
2018 Defender Works V8. Photo: Land Rover Classic
Engine5.0L Supercharged V8 Engine
Horsepower405 horsepower
Torque515 lb-ft of torque
0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) TimeApproximately 5.6 seconds

Completely re-engineered, the new Defender is powered by a 5.0L petrol V8 powertrain, making 405 hp and 515 lb. ft of torque paired to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with sport mode, uprated brakes, and handling kit. Compare that to the model’s standard 122-hp, it all begins to make sense.

And reaching a top speed of 106mph and sprinting 0-60mph in just 5.6 seconds, means you’ll be the first dude at the chair lift to hit the fresh powder.

Upgraded Defender Styling

new defender 2018 land rover 70th anniversary edition rolling
2018 Defender Works V8. Photo: Land Rover Classic

Rolling on exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels and 265/65 R18 all-terrain tires, the Defender Works will be available in eight standard body colours including two satin finishes, a black roof, fuel filler cap and Defender hood lettering, machined aluminum door handles, and a lighting upgrade to includes bi-LED headlamps.

Paying homage to a global icon

The purpose behind this special release is to celebrate the Land Rover’s marque 70th anniversary in 2018.

As Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, puts it, “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.”

new defender 2018 land rover 70th anniversary edition rear view
2018 Defender Works V8. Photo: Land Rover Classic

He adds that the British automaker considered reintroducing a V8-powered Defender four years ago when they were still producing it, acknowledging the demand for a power-hungry version of the off-roader. But waiting until now to ensure the best version possible certainly was the way to go.

Both 90 and 110-wheelbase Defender Works V8 derivatives will be available to purchase directly from Land Rover Classic; the starting price for the Land Rover Defender Works V8 Collector’s Edition in the United Kingdom was around £150,000 to £160,000 (British Pounds) when it first when on sale.

new defender 2018 land rover 70th anniversary edition adventure
2018 Defender Works V8. Photo: Land Rover Classic

Specs: Land Rover Defender Works V8 Collector’s Edition

Performance MetricSpecification
Engine5.0L Supercharged V8 Engine
Horsepower405 horsepower
Torque515 lb-ft of torque
0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) TimeApproximately 5.6 seconds
Top SpeedApproximately 106 mph (170 km/h)
Transmission8-speed ZF automatic transmission
Drive TypeAll-Wheel Drive (AWD)
SuspensionUpgraded performance suspension
BrakesUpgraded high-performance brakes
Wheels and Tires18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires
Exhaust SystemSpecially tuned exhaust system
Fuel TypeGasoline
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