Land Rover Classic has unveiled the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top. The name might be a little long-winded, but it marks the latest in a now comprehensive line-up of restored and modern V8-powered Defenders, marking the long-awaited return of one of the most desirable Defender variants.
Built exclusively on short-wheelbase 90 chassis, the new V8 Soft Top revives the spirit of classic soft-top Defenders, such as the coveted NAS 90 of the 1990s. As with the previous V8 Works models, each vehicle is carefully sourced from 2012-2016 production and undergoes a comprehensive rebuild, including installation of Land Rover’s 5.0-litre naturally aspirated 405bhp V8 which is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
Every example is completely dismantled and rebuilt to OEM standards at Land Rover Classic’s Coventry headquarters. Suspension and braking systems have been comprehensively uprated, with bespoke Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs and anti-roll bars, and Alcon four-piston brakes bringing the driving dynamics up to modern expectations. Octane has driven the standard V8 Works as well as both Trophy and Trophy II cars, and can confirm that these are about as good as the classic Defender experience can be.
This version’s Soft Top’s bespoke canvas hood, available in four colours – Black, Sand, Dark Khaki and Navy – is inspired by the last Defender to roll off the Solihull line in 2016. Side and rear panels can be unzipped and rolled up for open-air driving, while tie-down points ensure stability even at speed. A ‘Bikini Hood’ option, covering only the front seats, is also available.
Customisation and customer experience is a huge part of the appeal. Buyers can personalise their Soft Top with 49 standard paint colours or commission a bespoke match-to-sample finish. Wheels are offered in either classic 16-inch Wolf steel rims or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys, with a range of finishes to suit individual tastes. Inside, five monotone and eight duo-tone leather upholstery options are available, including Caraway, Liberty Blue and Garnet, alongside custom touches such as onboard wine coolers or surfboard racks.
Dominic Elms, Director of Land Rover Classic, said: ‘With the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, we provide an even greater opportunity to turn Classic Defender V8 dreams into reality. At Land Rover Classic 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’
Prices for the new Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top start from £195,000 plus local taxes. Each vehicle is covered by a one-year unlimited mileage warranty and is supported directly by Land Rover Classic in Coventry and Essen.
For more information, see landrover.com
