Sir Winston Churchill was one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. To celebrate his 80th birthday, the UK prime minister received a 1954 Series I Land Rover, registered “UKE 80.” Inspired by that very vehicle, Land Rover Classic has unveiled the V8 Defender Churchill Edition, a Works Bespoke creation limited to just ten examples.
Blending heritage with contemporary performance, each Churchill Edition is finished in deep Bronze Green, carried through to 16-inch steel wheels and interior accents. Galvanised bumpers, a wire mesh grille, matt black lamp surrounds, and UKE 80 decals enhance authenticity, while a bespoke plaque at the rear reinforces its link to the original.
Inside, details nod to Churchill’s Land Rover. Bridge of Weir semi-aniline leather in Bottle Green wraps the seats and grab handles, paired with Ebony Windsor leather on the trim and headliner. A unique clock with a blue dial and red stripe, styled after Churchill’s favourite champagne brand, Pol Roger, completes the bespoke touches.
Buyers can choose a 90 or 110 Station Wagon, or a 90 Soft Top with a tailored canvas roof. Power comes from Land Rover’s 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine, producing 399 hp and 515 Nm, matched to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. Each donor vehicle, originally built between 2012 and 2016, is meticulously rebuilt by Land Rover Classic Works with uprated suspension, Bilstein dampers, revised steering, and Alcon brakes, delivering modern refinement with off-road capability. Navigation, DAB radio, and Bluetooth are also seamlessly integrated into the classic design.
