The Land Rover Classic Defender V8 has returned with a blend of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary engineering. Reimagined under Land Rover Classic’s Works Bespoke programme, the remastered Defender lineup now includes the 90 Station Wagon, 110 Station Wagon, and 90 Soft Top, all powered by a strong V8 engine. With refreshed colours, upgraded interiors and performance-focused mechanical components, the Classic Defender V8 offers a unique way to own a legendary off-roader with modern-day comfort and capability.
Land Rover Classic Defender V8 New Exterior Options
Land Rover Classic has expanded the visual appeal of the Classic Defender V8 with eight exterior colours, five of which are brand new. Customers can also match their vehicle to the Defender Octa, thanks to a shared colour and material palette.
Key exterior highlights
- New colours: Petra Copper, Faroe Green, Sargasso Blue, Narvik Black and Patagonia White
- Existing colours retained: Borasco Grey, Carpathian Grey and Charente Grey
- Gloss and satin finishes available
- Satin finish mimics the Defender Octa’s Matte Protective Film
- Additional customisation: gloss-black grille, carbon-fibre bonnet script, and multiple wheel options
Every vehicle undergoes around 300 hours of paint preparation, ensuring flawless colour consistency and a premium finish. The meticulous paintwork reinforces the bespoke nature of the Classic Defender V8 programme.
Interior and Material Choices
The cabin has seen one of the biggest transformations. For the first time, Land Rover Classic is offering Ultrafabrics PU material, a lightweight and eco-friendly alternative to leather. This addition aligns the vehicle with sustainable luxury trends while improving comfort and durability.
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Interior material choices
- Ultrafabrics PU available in: Khaki Green, Light Cloud and Lunar
- Leather options include: Burnt Sienna semi-aniline and Ebony
- Optional heated Recaro sports seats
- Upgraded infotainment and crystal lighting package available
The combination of modern materials and iconic Defender design elements creates an interior that feels premium yet true to its utilitarian roots.
Engineering and Mechanical Enhancements
Performance is a major highlight of the remastered Defender models. Land Rover Classic sources donor vehicles from the 2012–2016 production years, then strips and rebuilds them completely at its Coventry-based facility.
Mechanical upgrades
- 400hp 5.0-litre V8 engine
- 8-speed ZF automatic transmission
- Custom springs and dampers
- Bespoke anti-roll bars
- Re-engineered steering system for sharper response
Braking and handling improvements
- 335mm front discs with 4-piston calipers
- 300mm rear discs
- Revised suspension geometry
- Enhanced ride stability at higher speeds
The updated components give the Classic Defender V8 significantly better control and refinement, making it more suited for both off-road challenges and everyday driving.
Customisation and Optional Features
Under the Works Bespoke programme, customers can personalise nearly every element of their Defender. This ensures each vehicle is a one-of-a-kind creation built to match individual preferences.
Popular custom options
- Infotainment system upgrades
- Crystal lighting package
- Five wheel designs in 11 finishes
- Wheel sizes in 16-inch and 18-inch
- Interior material custom combinations
- Exterior accent add-ons such as carbon-fibre scripts
Each Defender also comes with a one-year unlimited mileage warranty, reinforcing the brand’s confidence in its craftsmanship and restoration quality.
Land Rover Defender Octa in India
To create continuity between the remastered series and modern Defender variants, Land Rover has aligned some of the design cues with the Defender Octa, introduced in India on March 26, 2025. The Octa is a performance-oriented version of the Defender, equipped with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and priced from ₹2.42 crore (ex-showroom). While the Classic Defender V8 uses a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, both models share similar trim inspirations in colours and materials, offering customers a unified design language across generations.
Land Rover Classic Defender V8: Why It Stands Out
The Classic Defender V8 stands apart due to its fusion of iconic design with modern engineering. Land Rover Classic has ensured that the restoration process respects the Defender’s heritage while elevating its performance and comfort to contemporary standards.
What makes it unique
- Authentic restoration of an automotive legend
- Powerful 400hp V8 performance
- Handcrafted build quality with 300 hours of paintwork
- Sustainable material options
- Extensive tailor-made customisation
- Classic silhouette with modern features
For fans of the original Defender, this remastered V8 variant represents a rare opportunity to own a vintage-style machine backed by factory-grade enhancements and long-term reliability.
Final Verdict
The Land Rover Classic Defender V8 is more than a restored SUV—it is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship and performance. With new colours, premium interior materials and significant mechanical upgrades, it blends nostalgia with modern-day sophistication. Whether for collectors, enthusiasts or adventure seekers, the Classic Defender V8 delivers a personalised automotive experience that honours the Defender’s iconic legacy while embracing the future of bespoke motoring.
