New Classic Defender V8 Churchill Edition unveiled

Almost exactly a year ago this week, Land Rover launched the Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke, which was less a new model than it was a ‘unique’ commissioning service to create a custom-built car befitting the name. Devotees of the brand will recall that this process was in itself a retread of the manufacturer’s penchant for producing limited-edition Classic Works V8s, only it removed the implication that Land Rover was ever going to stop ‘remaking’ Defenders built between 2012 and 2016. Evidently, they were just too popular. And profitable. 

Well, in case you were wondering if business was slowing, we now have the Classic Defender V8 Churchill Edition to remind us what is possible. Land Rover says its latest Works Bespoke commission is ‘inspired’ by the Series I that was gifted to the great man in 1954 on his 80th birthday – hence the UKE 80 registration – and will be limited to just ten examples. The prices being asked – £232,500 for a 90, £242,500 for a Soft Top and £246,000 for a 110 Station Wagon, all before VAT – suggest that the manufacturer is not struggling for customers for its 405hp restomod.

Of course, eagle-eyed fans will note that the Churchill Edition is not really very much like the 86-inch wheelbase Series I that spent a decade rattling around Chartwell with Winston in a modified passenger seat at all. Because, again, every example of the Churchill Edition is a Defender built between 2012 and 2016, freshly endowed with a 5.0-litre V8 and eight-speed ZF automatic, and equipped with a familiar combination of Eibach coil springs, Bilstein dampers and uprated anti-roll bars that distinguish all Works Bespoke cars. The original UKE 80 would likely have greeted 380lb ft of torque with the same indignation its owner might have expressed at being asked to wear roller skates. 

But if you can see over that modest hump, there is undeniably plenty here to like. As you might expect, the Bronze Green bodywork has been expertly matched to Winston’s car, and (predictably) it looks fabulous on a Defender, as do the 16-inch steelies. You also get a galvanised front bumper with the classic mesh grille, and the single matt black headlight surround is meant to reflect the positioning of the numberplate on the Series I. The latter we could do without, but the UKE 80 decals on the wings look the part. 

As we’d imagine the upgraded interior does in Bridge of Weir Semi-Aniline Bottle Green leather. And if that doesn’t do it for you, the unique clock design – inspired by Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill champagne, no less – just might. Needless to say, this is all about showing off what Land Rover Classic can do if a customer resolves to do something special with a commission, but the Churchill Edition is a fair reminder that if you can avoid the commemorative plate aesthetic, a decent-looking (and great-sounding) Defender ought to result. 

“The Classic Defender V8 Churchill Edition is a fantastic example of what’s possible when a client’s idea meets Land Rover Classic experts’ craftsmanship and attention to detail,” said Dominic Elms, Managing Director at Jaguar Land Rover Classic. “Our Works Bespoke experts have subtly captured the essence of Winston Churchill’s iconic 1954 Land Rover to create these exclusive limited-edition vehicles, which are now being hand-crafted at our world-class restoration home in the UK.” If that all sounds like your sort of patriotic jam, we’d suggest getting on the blower immediately.