The classic Defender soft-top is back with V8 power and an upgraded interior from Land Rover Classic.
Dubbed the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top, the launch of JLR’s latest halo car follows the 2024 debut of Land Rover Classic’s (LRC) Works Bespoke service, offering customers the opportunity to commission bespoke, factory-built icons from the marque’s back catalogue.
The Classic Defender V8 Works Soft Top is the first official soft-top Defender since the model was finally culled in 2016. Land Rover Classic does not specify a production limit so it’s likely that the off-roader will be built to order, with prices starting from £195,000 plus local taxes.
“With the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, we provide an even greater opportunity to turn Classic Defender V8 dreams into reality,” said Land Rover Classic director Dominic Elms of the new machine. “We work with clients to provide a one‑to‑one bespoke service, so they can enjoy their vehicle safe in the knowledge it has been designed and engineered exclusively for them, by the original manufacturer.”
Land Rover Classic will begin each build by sourcing a donor vehicle built between 2012 and 2016. Then, the car will be completely overhauled and reengineered to OEM standards in a process that takes hundreds of hours for LRC engineers to complete.
Under the bonnet is the 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that has appeared in various JLR products since it debuted in the 2007 Range Rover Sport. Here, it sends 405bhp and 380lb ft of torque to all-four wheels via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
The potent V8 powertrain is complemented by uprated suspension and brakes. The suspension system has been specifically calibrated for the 90 Soft Top with revised spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars and Bilstein dampers. The beefier brakes are four-piston Alcon units with 335mm discs at the front and 300mm at the rear.
Each car is fitted with a bespoke canvas hood featuring webbing and additional tie downs ensure it fits perfectly and remains tightly secured at motorway speeds. The canvas is wrapped around a bespoke hood frame inspired by the coveted original NAS (North American Specification) 90.
Customers can choose from a palette of 49 paint finishes, or commission a one-of-a-kind hue through the Works Bespoke match-to-sample colour service. Exterior details such as the grille, door handles and bonnet script can also be customised, while wheel options include 16-inch Wolf wheels or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys.
The wide selection of personalisation options continues inside, with five monotone and eight duo-tone leather upholstery options, complemented by bespoke trim finishes and tailored lifestyle accessories, including a custom surfboard rack and an integrated wine cooler.
If a customer finds the personalisation options a little overwhelming, they can opt to receive personalised support from specialist teams at Land Rover Classic in Coventry, UK and Essen, Germany. Each car is delivered with a one-year unlimited mileage warranty.
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