24-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Return of an icon
We were very excited when Land Rover Classic confirmed the return of an icon with the launch of the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top — the most desirable classic Land Rover Defender.
Soft-top examples of the classic Defender are highly sought-after, and the new addition makes it possible to own a personalised example of this legendary model from the official home of classic Defenders.
The cars will be built to order in Coventry (UK) and Essen (Germany) and buyers are treated with a premium customer experience that includes countless personalisation options, with a one-on-one bespoke service offered for every single build.
Each Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is 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 re-engineered. The result is a unique vehicle, produced to OEM standards with longevity, luxury and capability in mind.
Dominic Elms, Managing Director at Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is a unique opportunity to turn Classic Defender V8 dreams into reality. '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 — the people who know it best.'
Personalisation options include the choice of 16-inch Wolf wheels or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys; unique grilles, door handles and bonnet scripts; and five monotone or eight duo-tone leather options, with colours such as Caraway, Liberty Blue, and Garnet.
Buyers can choose from a selection of 49 paint finishes to create their perfect look, or use the Works Bespoke match-to-sample colour service to create truly individual paint schemes.
And — for something a bit fancier — buyers can even opt for an onboard wine cooler and a custom surfboard rack.
What's non-negotiable is the 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 precise responses.
The V8 power is accompanied by uprated suspension and brakes. The suspension set-up is specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of the 90 Soft Top and combines traditional Defender capability with superior comfort in all environments. Its revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers have undergone comprehensive testing and development to ensure they meet OEM standards.
The brakes are uprated to four-piston Alcon units with front discs measuring 335mm in diameter, and 300mm at the rear, for confidence-inspiring stopping power.
The only bad news is that buyers will need deep pockets to get one. The eye-watering price tag starts from £195,000 plus local taxes . . . that's well over $400,000.
V8 DEFENDER HISTORY
