Land Rover Classic has unveiled its latest limited-edition Works Bespoke commission: the Defender V8 Churchill Edition, created in homage to Sir Winston Churchill’s personal 1954 Land Rover Series I, registration ‘UKE 80’. Just ten examples will be built, each hand-crafted at Classic Works in Coventry.
The Churchill Edition draws directly on the details of Churchill’s Series I, now housed in the Emil Frey Classics Museum in Switzerland. Finished in Bronze Green, carefully matched to the original paint, the new cars sit on heavy-duty 16-inch steel wheels painted to match. Galvanised body cappings, a mesh grille and a solitary matt black headlight surround add a unique twist, while discreet ‘UKE 80’ decals complete the tribute.
The cabin is trimmed in Bridge of Weir semi-aniline Bottle Green leather, extending to grab handles, with Windsor Ebony leather and a bespoke dashboard clock inspired by Churchill’s favoured Pol Roger champagne. Customers can specify the Churchill Edition as a 90 or 110 Station Wagon, or as a 90 Soft Top with a tailored canvas hood.
As with all Classic Defender V8 models, the Churchill Edition is based on a last-of-line Defender model, which is comprehensively re-engineered for modern use. Power comes from Land Rover’s 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 producing 400bhp and 380lb ft, paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. The chassis is extensively uprated, with Eibach springs, Bilstein dampers and Alcon four-piston brakes. Performance is strong, with 0-60mph in under six seconds and a top speed of 106mph.
The project was instigated by Emil Frey, which owns the original Series I gifted to Churchill on his 80th birthday. That car was modified with a wider passenger seat, fold-down armrest, leather grab handle and heater, designed to chauffeur him around his Chartwell estate. It remained with the Churchill family until 1973 and, after restoration, has been preserved as part of Emil Frey’s collection.
Land Rover Classic worked closely with the car in Switzerland to replicate its colours and materials. Samples of paint and leather were analysed, while details such as galvanised cappings and period-correct fixtures were reinterpreted.
‘The Classic Defender V8 Churchill Edition is a fantastic example of what’s possible when a client’s idea meets Land Rover Classic’s craftsmanship and attention to detail,’ said Dominic Elms, Managing Director of 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.’
The Churchill Edition joins a growing portfolio of limited-run Classic Defender V8s, including the Trophy and Islay editions. Each uses donor vehicles built between 2012 and 2016, restored and re-engineered to combine the original Defender charm with contemporary performance and reliability. Prices start from £232,500 for a 90 Station Wagon, £242,500 for a 90 Soft Top and £246,000 for a 110 Station Wagon, excluding VAT.
