Land Rover Classic Defender Soft Top V8 to Return, But at What Cost?

• Land Rover Classic has confirmed the return of the much-loved Defender Soft Top V8.
• The retro-style vehicle will sit under the newly established Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke program.
• The Defender Soft Top V8 will be powered by a 5.0-litre petrol V8 powertrain, producing 302kW and 515Nm.
• Land Rover has confirmed pricing will begin at £195,000 plus local taxes (AUD$400,000)

We may all eulogise about new cars and innovative vehicles, but there is something undeniably charming about a classic. The blend of nostalgia and intrigue that invariably ties possession with memory can be powerful, and there is no better example than the evergreen Land Rover Defender. Despite the new Defender now being a staple success for the brand, the cult following of the iconic previous generation model has not simply maintained; it’s dramatically increased since production was stopped. Thankfully, and with a little help from Land Rover Classic, you can now get these old-school Defender models overhauled with a hint of modern-day trickery.

Land Rover Classic, for example, has just unveiled a delectable Defender V8 Soft Top based on the desirable 90 short wheelbase specification. In the Defender world, the soft-top models are the most sought-after, and here, the model once again returns since the older Defender was culled in 2016. This time, owners can further personalise their Defender, and with the soft-top, the car looks even better, doused in retro charm.

The process begins with sourcing a donor vehicle, which was originally produced from 2012-2016, and then the SUV is re-engineered and brought to OEM standards. You get a bespoke canvas hood, for example, which comes in four colours, with Black as standard and Sand, Dark Khaki and Navy also available. Like the hood fitted to the last Defender to roll off the production line in 2016, the side and rear sections can be unzipped and rolled up for open-air driving, while the LR Classic folks have also added extra tie-down points to keep the canvas secured at highway speeds. 

Owners can also spec a ‘Bikini Hood’ for the front-seat occupants, which is available in the same range of colours. Of course, owners can pretty much spec any colour of their choice, including the match-to-sample colour service, which brings in individual paint schemes. Further personalisation also extends to the grille, door handles, and bonnet script, while a choice of either 16 or 18-inch wheels is also available. 

The interior reeks of the classic Defender vibes but with a lot more luxury, courtesy to dual-tone leathers on offer with bespoke finishes, and if you are feeling adventurous, a wine cooler or customer surfboard rack can also be optioned. 

To go with these looks, there is more than enough power on offer with the evergreen Land Rover 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine developing 405hp and 515Nm of torque. Standard is an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, while the brakes and the suspension are also beefed up with revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers, along with uprated four-piston Alcon discs. 

According to Dominic Elms, managing director at Jaguar Land Rover Classic, the latest update came after years of consumer interest. Now, fans of the retro-style top can enjoy all the functionality of a modern vehicle with the same undeniably alluring aesthetic.

“With the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, we provide an even greater opportunity to turn Classic Defender V8 dreams into reality,” Elms said. “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.”

Of course, revitalisation projects such as these don’t come cheap. Land Rover has confirmed that the price tag for the Defender Soft Top V8 is a mildly terrifying £195,000 plus local taxes (AUD$400,000) with a one-year warranty thrown in for good measure. Now, that is a lot of money for a utilitarian off-roader dressed up in some pretty clothing, but there is little doubt that we’d have one parked in our dream garage right now.