We're probably not allowed to mention the old Camel Trophy anymore, are we? What with tobacco advertising legislation and all (stay off the tabs, kids). Well, back in the eighties and nineties, when things were a little less regulated, Land Rover ran a series of immense off-road expeditions, sponsored by C***l cigarettes. The REDACTED Trophy, as it was known, saw teams of drivers compete in Defenders, Range Rovers, and Discoveries across inhospitable terrain in jungles, deserts, and mountain ranges across the world.
Distinctive colour scheme
The cars used in the He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named Trophy became legends in themselves, with their distinctive yellow ochre colour schemes, and bundles of off-roading equipment running the gamut from chunky tyres and snorkel air intakes to sand ladders and winches.
Well, now Land Rover is paying tribute to those classic off-roading adventures, and what's more, it's bringing back the old Defender to do so. Anyone who's been moaning about the demise of the original, and that the new Defender is just too much of a softie (it's not...) can put their money down for one of these; the Defender Works V8 Trophy.
Just 25 of these special editions will be made, and they're not (quite) new-builds, but rather are based on the limited-edition run-out, re-engineered 2012-2016 Defender Works V8 specification developed by Land Rover Classic. That includes a mighty 5.0-litre, 405hp V8 engine, which also has 515Nm of torque, an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, and comprehensive uprated suspension, steering and braking packages.
On the outside, these uprated Defenders get unique 'Eastnor Yellow' paintwork, which is named for the famous Eastnor Castle, where Land Rover has been perfecting its 4x4s on the castle's forest tracks since the 1960s. Obviously, it's also a heavy reference to the colour schemes of the cars used on those classic globe-trotting adventures with a certain humped mammal logo.
You also get 16-inch steel wheels, Narvik Black exterior highlights on the wheel arches, bonnet and rear door, LED lights, a 'Heritage' grille, and unique Land Rover Trophy badging and event participation graphics personalised to each customer.
A full event, not just a car
Participation? Oh yes - this isn't just a car you're buying, it's an experience. Later this year (COVID allowing), Defender Works V8 Trophy customers will be invited to compete in an exclusive three-day adventure at Eastnor Castle - the spiritual home of Land Rover all-terrain training, testing and development. This will be the first time customers drive their car.
Dan Pink, Director, Land Rover Classic, said: "The Land Rover Defender has always been more than just a vehicle, its engineering capability and suitability for overland expedition and all-terrain competition means it's renowned with getting away from it all. The new Land Rover Trophy will bring this to life for a new generation of adventurers. Experiences are a key part of Land Rover Classic's DNA and this whole concept comes directly from feedback we've received. Our customers want to create their own stories, battle scars and patina with their Works V8 Trophy vehicles from day one, fuelling campfire chats with like-minded enthusiasts. We're looking forward to an exciting and memorable event, full of camaraderie, and continuing the Land Rover Trophy legend for years to come. Seeing the silhouette of these vehicles which you'll instantly know as a Land Rover, traversing the hills at Eastnor, will be a defining moment of the adventure."
Each customer and their designated co-driver will be asked to stick their name and their nation's flag on the side of the car, just as they would have done on the original ahem-ahem Trophy. They will then embark on "a range of challenges inspired by famous global adventures and competitions spanning more than seven decades of Land Rover production."
007 stunt driver
There will be expert one-to-one tuition from the Land Rover Experience staff, and there will be prizes to be one for those who do the best. Stunt-driver Jessica Hawkins, who took the massive airborne leap in the new Defender for the cameras filming the new James Bond film, No Time To Die, will be taking part, as will original C***l Trophy participants such as 1989 event winner Bob Ives. Special products have been created for the event by brands such as watchmaker Elliot Brown, and clothing manufacturer Musto.
How much for all this? Well, in the UK at least the prices for a 90-inch V8 Works Trophy Defender start at £195,000. And if that doesn't make you cough, nothing will...