Land Rover has resurrected the iconic Defender, with a limited-edition, high-performance model to mark its 70th anniversary. 

The Defender Works division of the Land Rover Classic restoration facility is building the limited run model range. 

Each version of the car will be powered by a 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine - making it the fastest and most powerful version ever made. 

This powertrain which develops 400bhp and 515Nm of torque allows the car to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.6 seconds.

A standard Defender delivered 120bhp and 360Nm of torque, making this model a beat. 

Only 150 versions for the 70th anniversary model car will go on sale, which will surely make it a highly sought after car. 

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.”

Mated to the 5.0-litre V8 will be 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.

There will be a choice of eight standard body colours including two satin finished and a contrasting Santorini black roof, wheel arches and front grille. 

Windsor leather interior trim covers the dashboard, poor panels and Recaro Sports seats. 

Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 derivatives will be available to purchase direct from Land Rover Classic.

Prices for the new Defender will start from £150,000 for a 90 in the UK.