Land Rover Classic, JLR's in-house custom restoration specialist, has announced the launch of the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top. Described as the most desirable classic Land Rover Defender, the soft-top body style is highly sought-after, and the new model offers a personalised version of the classic vehicle updated to modern standards.
This Defender Soft Top is exclusively available on the short-wheelbase ‘90’ chassis and each vehicle begins as a specially sourced donor vehicle originally produced between 2012 and 2016. These are comprehensively enhanced and reengineered by Land Rover Classic engineers over hundreds of hours to OEM standards, focusing on longevity, luxury and, of course, off-road capability.
The bespoke canvas hood is available in four colours: Black (standard), Sand, Dark Khaki, and Navy, and its design is inspired by the hood fitted to the last original Defender produced in 2016. It includes authentic tie downs and webbing, while the side and rear sections can be unzipped and rolled-up for open-air driving while retaining some protection. Extra tie-down points have been added for open road speeds and smaller ‘Bikini Hood’ is also available in the same colour range, protecting front-seat occupants. Sort of.
Land Rover Classic says clients can extensively personalise their Soft Top as part of the new Works Bespoke service introduced in 2024. There are 49 paint finishes available, with a match-to-sample colour service also offered.
Exterior details such as the grille, door handles, and bonnet script can also be customised and wheel options include 16-inch Wolf wheels (in Black or Limestone) or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys. The interior is available in five monotone or eight duo-tone leather options in colours like Caraway, Liberty Blue, and Garnet, alongside other bespoke finishes.
The company says that requests for "unusual options" such as an onboard wine cooler and a custom surfboard rack can also be accommodated, allowing for the creation of one-off examples.
All Classic Defender V8 Soft Top vehicles are powered by a 302kW/515Nm 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and feature uprated suspension and brakes specifically tailored to the 90 Soft Top. The suspension includes revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers, developed to OEM standards. Braking is handled by uprated four-piston Alcon units with 335mm front discs and 300mm rear discs.
“With the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, we provide an even greater opportunity to turn Classic Defender V8 dreams into reality," said Dominic Elms, Managing Director at Jaguar Land Rover Classic.
"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."
Dedicated personalised support for clients is provided by specialist teams at Land Rover Classic in Coventry, UK, and Essen, Germany, which should be expected when you consider that prices for the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top start from £195,000, or a rather hefty NZ$438,000.
