Land Rover Classic proudly announces the revival of a celebrated icon with the launch of the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top, establishing itself as the most coveted classic Land Rover Defender. This new soft-top variant caters to the high demand for open-air classic Defender models, offering a unique opportunity to own a personalized rendition of this legendary vehicle, directly from the official home of classic Defenders. It masterfully blends the exhilaration of open-top motoring with the renowned off-road prowess of the traditional Defender.
Exclusivity and Bespoke Craftsmanship: Available exclusively on the short-wheelbase ’90’ chassis, this Soft Top marks the first Defender soft-top iteration since 2016 and follows the introduction of the new Works Bespoke service in 2024. This offering empowers clients with a fresh avenue to realize their ultimate vision of a legendary Classic Defender. Each Classic Defender V8 Soft Top undergoes hundreds of meticulous hours of work by Land Rover Classic’s expert engineers. Every vehicle starts with a carefully selected donor vehicle, originally produced between 2012 and 2016, which is then comprehensively enhanced and re-engineered. The result is a distinctive vehicle, crafted to OEM standards with a focus on longevity, luxury, and capability.
Bespoke Canvas Hood: A custom-designed canvas hood ensures a flawless fit and is offered in four distinct colors: Black (standard), Sand, Dark Khaki, and Navy. Its unique design draws inspiration from the hood of the last Defender produced in 2016, featuring authentic tie-downs and webbing. The side and rear sections can be conveniently unzipped and rolled up for an immersive open-air driving experience while still providing a degree of protection from the elements. Land Rover Classic has also incorporated additional tie-down points to ensure the canvas remains securely fastened even at high speeds.
Hood Frame and Options: The hood frame itself has been specifically engineered for this new model, incorporating bracing inspired by the highly desirable original NAS (North American Specification) 90. Additionally, a smaller ‘Bikini Hood’ option is available in the same range of colors, offering protection solely for the front-seat occupants.
Exterior Personalization: A palette of 49 paint finishes allows clients to create their perfect aesthetic, complemented by the Works Bespoke match-to-sample color service for truly individualized paint schemes. Clients can further personalize a wide array of exterior details, including the grille, door handles, and bonnet script. A choice of 16-inch Wolf wheels (available in Black or Limestone finishes) or 18-inch Sawtooth alloy wheels is also offered.
Interior Luxury and Bespoke Touches: Inside, buyers can select from five monotone or eight duo-tone leather options, featuring colors such as Caraway, Liberty Blue, and Garnet, alongside numerous other bespoke finishes. Unique options and accessories extend to an onboard wine cooler and a custom surfboard rack, demonstrating Land Rover Classic’s commitment to creating one-off examples tailored to any lifestyle.
Powertrain and Performance Details: All Classic Defender V8 Soft Top vehicles are equipped with a potent Land Rover 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine, delivering 405hp and 515Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, ensuring effortless performance and precise handling.
Uprated Suspension and Brakes: The formidable V8 power is complemented by enhanced suspension and braking systems. The suspension setup is specifically calibrated to the unique characteristics of the 90 Soft Top, blending traditional Defender off-road capability with superior comfort across various terrains. Its revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers have undergone extensive testing and development to meet stringent OEM standards. The braking system features uprated four-piston Alcon units, with front discs measuring 335mm in diameter and rear discs at 300mm, providing confidence-inspiring stopping power.
Dedicated Support and Warranty: Specialist teams at Land Rover Classic in Coventry, UK, and Essen, Germany, provide dedicated personalized support throughout the ownership experience. Prices for the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top start from £195,000 plus applicable local taxes, and each vehicle is backed by a one-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Summary:
- Return of the iconic Defender Soft Top.
- Powered by a 405hp 5.0-litre V8 engine.
- Features an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
- Uprated suspension with revised coil springs, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers.
- Uprated Alcon brakes with 335mm front and 300mm rear discs.
- Bespoke canvas hood available in four colors.
- Extensive exterior and interior personalization options.
- Prices start from £195,000 plus local taxes.
- Comes with a one-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
Disclaimer: Features and specifications mentioned are subject to availability and may vary based on individual customization. Pricing excludes local taxes and additional options.
Source: Land Rover
AI Assistance: Gemini
