That Didn’t Take Long: Land Rover Defender Works V8 Sold Out

After just one month of being announced, the special Land Rover Defender Works V8 has been sold out.

Back in late January Land Rover surprised everyone with their announcement to offer 150 examples of the presumably dead Defender, fitted with a high-performance V8 under the bonnet to celebrate the brand’s 70th anniversary.

The company has found a home for each one of the 150 Defender Works V8 models according to Autocar. Prices started from an eye-watering £150,000 (around $209,000 in current exchange rates).

The limited Defender is a re-engineered version of the classic off-road model, featuring uprated brakes and special springs, dampers and anti-roll bars along with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels.

Of course the real highlight is the 5.0-liter V8 that produces 405PS (399hp) and 515Nm (380lb-ft) of peak torque, paired to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Classic features of the Defender, like the two-speed transfer box and the live axles front and rear are still present.

As you would expect, performance is unusually strong for a Defender, with the classic 0-60mph estimated at 5.6 seconds for the short 90-in wheelbase model. Top speed is limited to 106mph.

The limited Land Rover Defender Works V8 was available in both short 90 and long 110 versions, with each model getting a leather interior along with Recaro sports seats. The special and final iteration of the British off-roader was offered for sale in the UK, with customers from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East able to order one on an individual import basis.

more photos...
  • Bo Hanan

    If Jeep ever decided to put a V8 in the Wrangler- here is proof how successful that vehicle would be. It seems like a no-brainer for a special or limited edition vehicle. Instantly collectible.

  • mick

    “150 examples of the presumably dead Defender” well, there is no presuming, she’s dead jim. these 150 were essentially factor resto-mods of already produced defenders that were refurbished/refitted by the factory.

  • Six_Tymes

    must be nice to be able to be so lucky to get one. it is pretty great.