Descrizione
The Classic Car Company are honoured to present what can only be described as the ultimate Land Rover!
Back in 1947, Spencer Wilks, then the Managing Director of the Rover Car Company, owned the Laggan Estate on the island of Islay. One day, while driving his heavily modified Rover 12 across the rugged landscape, the estate’s gamekeeper Ian Fraser remarked that it must be a “Land Rover”, thus the name was born.
Fast forward to 2023, and to celebrate the landmark 75 anniversary, Land Rover announced this limited-edition Classic Defender – a very special vehicle for their discerning clients looking for the ultimate heritage Land Rover.
Spencer Wilks and the Isle of Islay are an important part of Land Rovers history, and the Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition is a fitting way to celebrate them as well as the landmark anniversary. It references Spencer Wilks’ beautiful Series IIa, and is influenced by the special products and incredible nature of Islay itself. The authenticity, modern engineering, and exquisite execution from Land Rover Classics skilled engineers and technicians, make this limited-edition Classic Defender a true testament to the brand’s heritage and innovation.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1965 original’s Mid Grey exterior, the Islay Edition boasts a captivating finish in Heritage Grey, further enhanced by a contrasting roof and robust steel wheels finished in Limestone. Complementing the vehicle’s elegant design, the wheel arches are also donned in Heritage Grey, elevating the refined aesthetics. Upon closer inspection, an intriguing side graphic catches the eye, displaying the distinctive registration ‘GXC 639C’ – the very same registration that adorned Wilks’ Series IIa. This subtle yet meaningful detail serves as a heartfelt tribute to the vehicle that inspired this exceptional rendition of the timeless classic defender.
While the exterior catches the eye, it’s the interior that truly captivates the attention. Beautifully reflecting its deep connection to the Isle of Islay and the birthplace of Land Rover with thoughtful touches and incredible attention to detail. The moment you step up, you’ll be greeted by the opulent Land Rover Windsor Ebony leather, which adorns the Premium Defender seats, side trim, doors, roof lining, and dashboard. From there you will spot the body colour detail surrounding the new modern features including the centre console and Classic Infotainment System, that now also incorporates satellite navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth into an original display. As your eyes explore the interior, you’ll notice a special plaque beside the gear lever that recounts the captivating story of how the Land Rover name came to be. It serves as a reminder of the rich history and legacy that underpins this remarkable vehicle. Throughout the cabin, the subtle links to the Isle of Islay are artfully woven into the design. The Islay Woollen Mill’s expertly crafted tweed finds its place in various thoughtful details, adding a touch of timeless elegance. In a departure from the norm for a Classic Defender, all the footwells have been carefully carpeted, introducing an unexpected element of luxury that enhances your comfort. The removable console tray in the central stowage also has bespoke detail. It features the oak of whisky barrels sourced from the local Kilchoman Distillery which was established in 2005 by Kathy Wills, Wilks’ granddaughter. This oak wood veneer detail beautifully extends to the rear load space floor, and clock on the centre console.
The traditional design is starkly contrasted by the technical upgrades that hide beneath the surface. Under the bonnet there is a 5. 0-litre, V8 petrol engine pumping out 405bhp and 515 Nm of torque through an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. This allows for the vehicle to hit 60 mph in 5. 6 seconds from standstill. These technical upgrades continue with an uprated suspension designed with Bilstein and braking systems designed with Brembo, both tailored for superior on-road performance and dynamics. Further modern technology is scattered around the vehicle with LED headlights, air conditioning, heated seats and Land Rovers satellite navigation system.
The Islay Edition was a limited run, with only 30 unique models available. Build numbers were be split between short-wheelbase ‘90’ models (17) and long-wheelbase ‘110’ models (13). We believe there was roughly an equal split between RHD and LHD models.
Our example is one of the RHD short-wheelbase ‘90’ models, and was the Land Rover Classic Show car. Now having covered only 1, 891 miles, we are able to offer it, as new, to a new Land Rover enthusiast.
Please contact us for more information.
