Works Bespoke unveils a new Classic Defender V8 for its lineup, inspired by Winston Churchill

Works Bespoke has set out not to let the classic Land Rover Defender die, and while only a few months ago we were introduced to the Defender 90 Soft Top, they are now adding a new member to their lineup. Watch closely, because this is a Defender that will arrive as a strictly limited edition and will draw inspiration from a figure of great historical importance, both for the brand itself because of its English origins and worldwide for what he represented: Sir Winston Churchill.

British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill owned a 1954 Land Rover Series I registered “UKE 80”, a vehicle that has survived and been kept in perfect condition over all these years and that is now owned by Emil Frey, owner of a dealership offering Land Rover Classic service, who precisely came up with the idea or proposal to create a limited edition based on the classic V8-powered Defender.

The story of the Land Rover Series I with an 86-inch wheelbase begins on 30 November 1954, when it was delivered to the British leader’s country house at Chartwell to mark his 80th birthday. As a curious detail, this Land Rover was designed to be driven by Churchill’s chauffeur, so the passenger seat was specially modified with a wider seat, a folding centre armrest, heated floor and an additional leather-upholstered grab handle. And we must not forget that the distinctive “UKE 80” registration plate was another decorative touch.

Churchill’s UKE 80 remained at Chartwell until his death in January 1965, when it passed to his son-in-law, Christopher Soames, CBE and British Member of Parliament, staying in the family until 1973. It was not until the more recent year of 2013 that it was acquired by the Swiss Emil Frey, at which point it underwent restoration work. Once finished, it was placed in its owner’s classic car museum, where it remains today, and where experts from Land Rover Classic were able to visit to verify that the original paint colour and interior trims were matched as closely as possible.

The Classic Defender V8 Churchill Edition has been painted in Bronze Green, a colour matched meticulously so that it corresponds exactly to the original shade. The experts have also applied this colour to other areas such as the 16-inch high-strength steel wheels. Continuing with the exterior, it features a galvanised front bumper and the classic metal grille surround, as well as matt black headlamp surrounds. It finishes with UKE 80 decals on the front sides and special badges on the rear.

Inside the Classic Defender V8 Churchill Edition, a leather similar to the Bridge of Weir aniline in Bottle Green used in Churchill’s Defender has been applied, including the passenger grab handles, contrasting with Windsor leather in Ebony for the upholstery and trim. In addition, the dashboard houses a clock with a blue face and a red stripe inspired by Pol Roger champagne, Churchill’s favourite.

The Classic Defender V8 Churchill Edition will be offered, as is usual, with a naturally aspirated 5,000 cc V8 producing 402 CV and 515 Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox with a two-speed transfer case, high-strength front and rear differentials and a centre differential with torque split. Like the other restored models, it also receives redesigned coil springs, Eibach anti-roll bars and telescopic dampers, as well as new four-piston Alcon brakes with 335 mm front discs and 300 mm rear discs.

It will be available in 90 and 110 bodies, both Station Wagon, although there will also be a Soft Top 90 version equipped with a bespoke fabric roof, which can be opened by zip and folded back over the sides and rear while still protecting the occupants from the elements. Regardless of the body chosen, production will be made to order and only 10 units will be built under this limited edition.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadLand Rover Defender23 versions · from 78,700 €