Land Rover Classic has confirmed the return of arguably the most desirable Land Rover Defender ever, the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top.
While the name is a mouthful, the short wheelbase Landie is on the stumpy side by the standards of its big-brother wagon derivatives at just 3894mm long, combining the joy of open-topped driving with short wheelbase manoeuvrability and traditional Defender off-road capability.
Soft-top examples of the classic Defender are among the most highly sought-after examples of the rugged British off-roader and this latest version, fettled by Land Rover Classic in Coventry, UK, makes it possible to own a personalised example of the legendary model.
A dedicated division within Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Land Rover Classic was established in 2017 as the official source of authentic vehicles, expert restoration services, and genuine parts for classic Land Rover enthusiasts worldwide. The business operates from a dedicated Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility in Coventry, UK with a team of skilled engineers specialising in outstanding Land Rover Series I and Range Rover Reborn restorations, as well as building the Defender Works V8.
Exclusively available on the short-wheelbase ‘90’ chassis, Land Rover Classic says the first Defender Soft Top since 2016 provides a new way for its clients to express their dream vision of owning a legendary Classic Defender.
The new model launch follows the introduction of the Works Bespoke service in 2024 with each Classic Defender V8 Soft Top the result of hundreds of hours of work by expert Land Rover Classic engineers.
Every example begins with a specially sourced donor vehicle, originally produced from 2012-2016, which is comprehensively enhanced and reengineered. The result is claimed to be a unique vehicle, produced to OEM standards with longevity, luxury and capability in mind.
The bespoke canvas hood features authentic tie downs and webbing, with side and rear sections that can be unzipped and rolled-up for open air driving. It’s available in four colours, including the standard Black, as well as Sand, Dark Khaki and Navy.
The hood frame itself has been specially designed for the new model, with bracing that takes its inspiration from the coveted original NAS (North American Specification) 90. A smaller ‘Bikini Hood’ is also available, protecting the front-seat occupants, in the same range of colours.
A selection of 49 paint finishes allows customers to create their perfect look, while the Works Bespoke match-to-sample colour service allows owners to create truly individual paint schemes.
Clients can personalise a vast array of exterior and interior details to bring their Soft Top vision to life, including the grille, door handles and bonnet script, while a choice of 16-inch Wolf wheels or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys is available.
Inside, there are five monotone or eight duo-tone leather options to choose from, with colours such as Caraway, Liberty Blue, and Garnet, plus any number of other bespoke finishes. Unusual options and accessories include an onboard wine cooler and a custom surfboard rack, allowing Land Rover Classic to create one-off examples to suit any lifestyle.
All Classic Defender V8 Soft Top vehicles are powered by a Land Rover 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine, with 405hp (302kW) and 515Nm of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, ensuring effortless performance and keen response.
The V8 power is accompanied by an uprated suspension set-up specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of the 90 Soft Top. Featuring revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers, the setup is claimed to combine traditional Defender capability with superior comfort.
The brakes have also been uprated to four-piston Alcon units with front discs measuring 335mm in diameter, and 300mm at the rear, for confident stopping power.
Prices for the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top start from £195,000 plus applicable local taxes and every example comes with a one-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
