The iconic Classic Defender is undergoing a state-of-the-art factory-backed upgrade through a new restoration and personalization program from Land Rover Classic that allows buyers to spec their vintage off-roader with exclusive colors and materials previously reserved for the brand’s new flagship, the Defender Octa. The new Works Bespoke service takes carefully restored 2012-2016 donor cars – available in 90 or 110 Station Wagon or 90 Soft Top – and transforms them into true modern luxury machines.
The key attraction is the expanded palette, which now includes Octa-exclusive shades like Petra Copper, Faroe Green and Sargasso Blue, joining the existing finishes. Achieving this luxurious exterior is a time-consuming process, with each Classic Defender V8 requiring around 300 hours in the paint shop to ensure a perfect finish, which can be chosen in a gloss or satin finish to mimic the Octa’s new matte protective film option.
The interior is just as customised, with new upholstery options such as lightweight Ultrafabrics PU in Khaki Green, Light Cloud or Lunar, as well as rich Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather or Octa Black edition Ebony leather. Buyers can enhance the driving experience with hand-upholstered heated Recaro sports seats for better support, along with modern infotainment system upgrades and aesthetic additions such as a gloss black grille and Chopped Carbon Fiber lettering on the hood.
As well as the cosmetic additions, all Classic Defender V8 models benefit from a full mechanical overhaul. Power comes from an upgraded 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine with 400 hp. (298 kW) and 515 Nm of torque, combined with a modern 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox with sports mode. While retaining the original frame chassis, handling has been greatly improved with custom springs and dampers, upgraded brakes 335mm front, 300mm rear discs and a revised steering system.
This level of authenticity and personalization comes with a price tag. The Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke program starts at £190,000 without options, which puts it well above the new flagship Defender Octa, which starts at £148,045 in the UK. As Land Rover Classic director Dominic Elms notes, this service has been created to allow customers to order the best of the Defender, combining the style of the old icon with the characteristics of the new performance king.
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