The new classic Defender V8 … for those with a big bank balance!

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news relating to classic cars recently, you might have realised that Land Rover have confirmed the return of a new (or new-old, depending on how you look at it) version of the soft-top Defender. It’s caused quite a stir in the car world, and not just for the price - it’s actually quite a good-looking car…

Let’s have a look below at this special Defender, and see what all the hype is about.

What’s happening?

Land Rover Classic has decided to launch the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top - a meticulously re-imagined version of the beloved short-wheelbase Defender 90. This bespoke, made-to-order model pays homage to the iconic soft-top variants of the past, including the sought‑after North American Specification (NAS) 90, blending timeless design with some decent modern engineering. 

A nice nod to its heritage

Drawing inspiration, as we said, from the coveted NAS 90 of the 1990s, the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top also embodies the rugged charm that made the earlier version a bit of a legend. Each vehicle begins as an original Solihull‑built Defender, and undergoes a comprehensive transformation by Land Rover Classic’s expert engineers. The result is then a hand-built masterpiece that blends authenticity with contemporary performance.  

A nice tally between performance and craftsmanship

Under the bonnet lies a formidable 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, delivering 405 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque. Paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, this powertrain ensures some smooth and responsive driving across all terrains. The chassis has been extensively reworked, featuring revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars and Bilstein dampers. The braking performance is enhanced with four-piston Alcon units and large discs - 335 mm at the front and 300 mm at the rear - providing confident stopping power for many a situation.  

A bit of personalisation

Land Rover Classic offers an unparalleled level of customisation for this Defender. Prospective owners can choose from 49 standard paint finishes or opt for a match-to-sample service for a truly unique colour. The gold featured in the promo pictures is quite something, that’s for sure.

The bespoke canvas hood is available in four colours - black (as standard), sand, dark khaki and navy, and comes in two styles: a full soft top and a smaller ‘Bikini Hood’ that covers only the front seats. The hood’s design is inspired by the last Defender produced in 2016, featuring authentic tie-downs and webbing, with side and rear sections that can be unzipped and rolled up for some nice open-air driving (weather permitting, of course).    

Inside, the interior can be tailored with five monotone or eight duo-tone premium leather options, including colours such as Caraway, Liberty Blue and Garnet. Additional customisation options include personalised exterior details such as the grille, door handles and bonnet script, as well as unique lifestyle accessories like an onboard wine cooler or a custom surfboard rack (Do we need that last bit? Maybe we do! Why not...)   

And now for the price…

The Classic Defender V8 Soft Top isn’t being marketed as just a newly-upgraded vehicle; it’s being sold as a statement of individuality and pure craftsmanship. Each model is built to order, ensuring that no two are exactly alike. Prices start from £195,000 (yikes!) plus applicable local taxes, and a one‑year, unlimited mileage warranty is also thrown in. 

For Landy lovers and collectors alike, this new Classic Defender represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Land Rover’s storied legacy, albeit re-worked for the modern era. It’s a celebration of heritage, performance and now personal expression - all wrapped up in the return of a true icon.  

Fancy one? Let us know if you do!

(All photos courtesy of Land Rover Media: www.media.landrover.com)