The classic Land Rover Defender is reimagined - with Goodyear

When Land Rover announced that 67 years of production of its original model would cease, it felt like the end of an era for many off-road drivers. However, a highly exclusive limited build programme by Land Rover’s Classic division is going to give 25 enthusiasts the chance to own a very special version of the original Defender wearing the Works V8 Trophy badge.

Goodyear has been chosen to supply its legendary Wrangler MT/R off road tires for this limited hand-crafted production run that has been inspired by the formidable Camel Trophy off-road adventures of the 1980s. This event saw modified Land Rovers tackle some of the harshest terrain in the world. 

The £195,000 (225,000€) modern tribute to the competition is based on the Defenders that starred in the event for much of that decade.

Land Rover Classic chose the 235/85R16 Goodyear Wrangler MT/R to harness the power and torque of the thundering 5.0-litre petrol V8. Combining 399bhp and 380lb ft of muscle, the Works V8 Trophy is a huge performance increase on the original period model, demanding a tire that can provide grip and stability both on and off the road. 

The Wrangler MT/R has long been the first choice for Land Rover when it comes to serious off road action and competitive events. After the demise of the Camel Trophy, Land Rover created the G4 Challenge in 2002. This featured extreme off-road action on four continents with each of Land Rover’s four iconic models; the Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover and, of course, the Defender. They were four very different vehicles but all used Wrangler MT/R, chosen after extensive testing by Land Rover.

“Goodyear has been a part of the Defender story for much of its life,” said Hans Vrijsen, Managing Director OE, Goodyear EMEA. “From the original G90 tire that was a favourite with farmers generations ago to the latest Wrangler Duratrac on the all-new Defender, we are proud to keep Land Rovers moving in the toughest of conditions.”

The Goodyear Wrangler MT/R was chosen for the Defender Works V8 Trophy as an extreme off-road tyre with a special block design for additional traction and grip. It features patented Goodyear technology for sidewall penetration protection, offering increased protection due to the ability to resist punctures when driving over rocks, mud and sand.

All 25 limited edition Defender Works V8 Trophy models were sold within three days of going on sale, but other Land Rover owners can match its off road ability with Goodyear offering a wide range of Wrangler MT/R fitments to suit both classic and modern models.