The most desirable classic Defender variant returns ‑ as a bespoke 5.0‑litre V8.
Land Rover Classic has 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, combining the joy of open‑topped driving with traditional Defender off‑road capability.
Exclusively available on the short‑wheelbase ‘90’ chassis, the Soft Top – the first Defender Soft Top since 2016 – follows the introduction of the new Works Bespoke service in 2024. The Soft Top provides a new way for clients to express their dream vision of a legendary Classic Defender.
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 reengineered. The result is a unique vehicle, produced to OEM standards with longevity, luxury and capability in mind.
A bespoke canvas hood ensures a perfect fit, and is available in four colours, with Black as standard and Sand, Dark Khaki and Navy also available. Its unique design is inspired by the hood fitted to the last Defender to roll off the production line in 2016 and features authentic tie downs and webbing. The side and rear sections can be unzipped and rolled‑up for open air driving while retaining a degree of protection from the elements, and Land Rover Classic has added extra tie‑down points to keep the canvas tightly secured at highway speeds.
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 clients to create their perfect look, while the Works Bespoke match‑to‑sample colour service allows owners to create truly individual paint schemes.
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.
Dominic Elms
Director, Land Rover Classic
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 – the former finished in either Black or Limestone. 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 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.
Dedicated personalised support is provided by the specialist teams at Land Rover Classic in Coventry, UK, and Essen, Germany. 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.
TECHNICAL DATA: CLASSIC DEFENDER V8 SOFT TOP
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Engine capacity (cc): 4,999
Cylinders: V8 naturally aspirated petrol (EU5)
Power PS: 405@6,000rpm
Torque Nm: 515@5,000rpm
Transmission: 8‑speed automatic with Pistol Shifter, All‑Wheel Drive, two‑speed transfer box, heavy‑duty front and rear differentials, torque‑biasing centre differential
CHASSIS
Front suspension: live beam axle, Eibach coil springs, Bilstein telescopic dampers. Panhard rod and Radius arms. Eibach anti‑roll bar.
Rear suspension: live beam axle, Eibach coil springs, Bilstein telescopic dampers. ‘A’ frame and Trailing Links. Eibach anti‑roll bar.
Front brakes: Alcon Four‑Piston Calipers 335mm Discs
Rear brakes: Alcon Four‑Piston Calipers 300mm Discs
Wheels and tyres: 16in heavy‑duty steel wheels, mud‑terrain tyres
Steering: Recirculating ball, power‑assisted
PERFORMANCE & ECONOMY
0‑60mph (sec): 5.6 secs
Top speed (mph): 106mph
V8 DEFENDER HISTORY
V8 powertrains in the Land Rover Defender and its production predecessors started with the Series III Stage 1 V8 of 1979. The carburetted 3.5‑litre Rover V8 produced 90bhp.
The Land Rover 110 from 1983, and 90 from 1984, used the same 3.5‑litre Rover V8 engine as the Series III Stage 1 V8, but in 113bhp form, uprated to 135bhp from 1987.
For North American Specification (NAS), Defender 90s and 110s only, from 1992, a 182bhp fuel‑injected 3.9‑litre version of the Rover V8 was fitted, along with a four‑speed automatic transmission.
In 1998, the fuel‑injected 190bhp 4.0‑litre V8 from the second‑generation Range Rover was fitted to a limited run of 50th Anniversary Defender 90s, with a four‑speed automatic transmission.
5.0‑litre naturally aspirated 2018 Defender Works V8 became the first official V8‑powered Land Rover Defender to be introduced since 1998.
Other editions of the Land Rover Classic Defender V8 include the Islay, Trophy and Trophy II variants.
