2014 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 WORKS V8 70TH EDITION - 20 MILES

This Land Rover Defender 90 Works V8 is a rare high-performance version of the iconic all-terrain vehicle, upgraded by Jaguar Land Rover and offered for sale in as-new condition. While Defenders aren’t necessarily known for their performance, this limited-edition example is equipped with a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, which sends up to 400bhp to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing this sturdy 4x4 to dash from 0-62mph in a brisk 5.6 seconds. The odometer displays just 20 miles since the vehicle was fully rebuilt to Works specification.

Launched to celebrate 70 years of the Defender, only 150 examples of the Works V8 70th Edition were built, making this an exceptionally rare British 4x4. Rather than starting from scratch, the JLR Classic Works programme sourced existing vehicles registered between 2012 and 2016, before fully inspecting, stripping and rebuilding them at the JLR Classic facility. Though a completely restored Defender is already an appealing prospect, the extra firepower of the Works V8 makes it significantly more desirable for keen drivers and collectors alike.

As well as its upgraded powerplant, the Works V8 is also equipped with a number of contemporary mod cons, including LED headlights, a DAB radio, satellite navigation, Recaro sports seats and full leather upholstery, while the exterior features aluminium door handles, side and rear treadplates and 18-inch ‘Sawtooth’ alloy wheels.

First registered in December 2014, this example was rebuilt as a Works V8 in 2019. It was acquired by the seller two years ago, and is now offered for sale in collector-quality condition. Furthermore, the appropriate registration ‘V8 GYY’ is included in the sale.

Given that this Defender is effectively brand-new, its bodywork remains in outstanding condition, and its attractive Roma Red finish is similarly pristine, having been resprayed when the vehicle was converted. Unique exterior touches on the Works V8 include its modern LED headlights, aluminium door handles and clear LED tail lights, as well as treadplates at the sides and rear. Subtle badges on both of the front wings and the tail help to set this potent utility vehicle apart from the pack, and it rides on a set of 18-inch black diamond-turned ‘Sawtooth’ alloy wheels, which are entirely unmarked.

In the cabin, this special-edition vehicle offers levels of luxury not usually associated with the Defender, with black and grey Windsor hide covering the dashboard, door panels and headlining, while a pair of Recaro sports seats take centre stage, with black Taurus leather bolsters and grey perforated leather centres. Given the car’s lack of use, the front seats and folding rear benches remain in immaculate condition, with no wear or blemishes to speak of.

Factory-fitted equipment includes air-conditioning, heated front seats, a DAB radio, satellite navigation and cruise control. As expected, all of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items work without fault, and there are no warning lights displayed on its dashboard.

Having covered just 20 miles since it was reconstructed at the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility in 2019, this Defender 90 Works V8 has not required any additional maintenance or servicing, and is offered for sale in impeccable mechanical order.

Its latest MOT test was conducted on 8 November 2019 at 5 miles, resulting in a clean, first-time pass. All four wheels are fitted with BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 tyres, which are as-new and unworn. This rare Land Rover will be accompanied by all of its correct handbooks, documents and other paperwork.

Taking the much-loved Defender of the era and more than tripling its horsepower, the Land Rover Defender 90 Works V8 is a formidable British off-roader with riotous performance. Far more than mere modified road cars, each example was hand-picked, stripped and fully rebuilt by Jaguar Land Rover themselves, which is made abundantly clear by the impressive fit, finish and overall level of polish seen in these rare machines. One of just 150 Works V8s built, this example has not been used since it was converted and delivered, and represents the unrepeatable opportunity to acquire what is effectively a brand-new 400bhp example of the original and iconic Defender.

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