The reborn Defender represented a bet for Land Rover, a daring push forwards with an all-new design and development for its iconic off-roader, however the model hasn’t fairly completed with the unique but. A collection of limited-run old-style Defenders is being developed by the agency’s Traditional division, the primary of which is the V8-powered, £230,000 Islay Version.

Taking cues from the 1965 Sequence II Defender owned by Spencer Wilks, one of many firm’s founders, every Islay Version is totally restored and uprated with the identical mechanicals because the Defender Works V8 from 2018. The identify is impressed by the unique Land Rover from the late Forties, which underwent improvement on the Scottish Isle of Islay with Wilks on the wheel.

On condition that the ultimate ‘basic’ Defender was constructed method again in 2016, Land Rover is utilizing donor automobiles from the ultimate years of manufacturing to create the Islay Version, making it primarily a factory-built restomod of types. That goes some technique to clarify the excessive asking worth and low manufacturing numbers, with every automobile requiring a complete rebuild and refinishing to Islay Version spec. 

Construct numbers might be break up between short-wheelbase ‘90’ fashions and the extra versatile ‘110’ (costing an additional £15,000), every painted in Heritage gray with cream metal wheels and classic-style badging. The entrance finish contains a body-coloured mesh grille and headlight surrounds, however the retro design is underpinned by alternative fashionable touches. These embrace LED headlights, beefier brakes and uprated suspension – helpful given the Islay Version’s hard-hitting 5-litre V8 motor. 

Producing 399bhp and 380lb ft of torque, there’s nothing old-school concerning the Islay Version’s efficiency – it sprints from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds, or only a shade slower than a Honda Civic Kind R. Energy is shipped to all 4 wheels via an 8spd ZF automated gearbox, a two-speed switch field and a torque distributing centre diff, with reside axles and a recirculating ball steering system remaining as relics of the unique Land Rover.

The cabin is trimmed in black Windsor leather-based with numerous nods to the unique prototypes and the Isle of Islay itself. There’s tweed-like cloth trim on the seats and door playing cards, oak veneer inlays and an Islay Version plaque, together with a singular wood-crafted insert inside the centre armrest paying tribute to the Scottish island.