Land Rover Classic has released the Churchill Edition Defender V8, a ten-unit tribute to the 1954 Series I gifted to Winston Churchill on his 80th birthday. The British Prime Minister’s UKE 80 — complete with a wider passenger seat for his considerable frame and a dedicated spot for his bricklaying trowel — became as much a part of his Chartwell estate routine as his morning cigar. Now, Land Rover Classic has channeled that same spirit into ten meticulously crafted Defender V8s that honor the original while packing enough modern firepower to humble a Range Rover Sport.
Bronze Green Heritage with 405hp Attitude
The Churchill Edition’s Bronze Green paint job doesn’t just color-match the original but obsessively recreates it. Land Rover Classic’s engineers actually traveled to Switzerland’s Emil Frey Classics Museum to analyze paint samples from Churchill’s original Series I, ensuring this tribute captures every nuance of that weathered patina. The 16-inch steel wheels wear the same bronze treatment, while galvanized bumpers and that distinctive mesh grille pull design cues straight from 1954. Even the matte black headlight surround mimics the numberplate positioning on Churchill’s truck, though this detail feels slightly forced compared to the more organic vintage touches.
Under the hood, instead of the agricultural four-cylinder that powered Churchill around his estate, each Churchill Edition packs Land Rover’s naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 producing 405hp and 380lb.ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic, this setup can rocket the 90 from 0-60 mph in just 5.9 seconds. The suspension receives the full Works Bespoke treatment with Eibach coil springs, Bilstein dampers, and uprated anti-roll bars that transform what was once a utilitarian farm implement into something with the responsiveness of a sports car.
Interior Luxury Worthy of a Statesman
Inside, you’re greeted by Bridge of Weir semi-aniline leather in Bottle Green that extends across every conceivable surface, from the seats to the grab handles Churchill himself would’ve appreciated. The Windsor Ebony trim provides contrast, while the dashboard houses an exclusive timepiece inspired by Churchill’s preferred Pol Roger champagne — complete with blue dial and red stripe detailing.
The infotainment system is another definitely modern touch, offering navigation and Bluetooth connectivity without disrupting the classic dashboard flow.
Bespoke Precision with Historical Significance
Starting with donor Defenders built between 2012-2016, each vehicle undergoes hundreds of hours of restoration and modification at Classic Works in Coventry. The process involves complete drivetrain upgrades, suspension refinements, and interior customization that transforms these already capable trucks into something approaching automotive art.
The limited production run of ten vehicles allows Land Rover Classic to experiment with bespoke techniques and materials that might not scale to larger production runs but demonstrate the division’s capabilities to potential custom clients.
Spec Sheet
Model: Classic Defender V8 Churchill Edition
Engine: 5.0L naturally aspirated V8
Power: 405hp, 380lb.ft torque
Transmission: 8-speed ZF automatic
0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds (90), 6.1 seconds (110)
Top Speed: 106 mph
Variants: 90/110 Station Wagon, 90 Soft Top
Limited Edition?: Yes, 10 units total
Pricing & Availability
The Churchill Edition commands £232,500 (~$314,000) for the 90 Station Wagon, £242,500 (~$327,600) for the Soft Top variant, and £246,000 (~$332,300) for the 110 Station Wagon—all before VAT. All ten examples are being hand-crafted at Land Rover Classic’s UK facility.
Recap
Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Churchill Edition
Land Rover Classic has created ten Churchill Edition Defender V8s that pay tribute to Winston Churchill’s 1954 Series I with meticulously matched Bronze Green paint and period details, but pack a modern 405-horsepower V8 engine and luxury upgrades.
