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Tag: Land Rover Classic

  • Land Rover Classic Launches Classic Defender V8 Soft Top

    Land Rover Classic Launches Classic Defender V8 Soft Top

    • Classic Defender V8 Soft Top joins the Land Rover Classic line‑up, paying homage to previous generations of Defender Soft Top, including the sought‑after NAS 90 from the 1990s
    • Carefully hand‑built by the expert engineers at Land Rover Classic who know the model best, each made‑to‑order vehicle is based on an original Solihull‑built Defender
    • Comprehensive rebuild and upgrade programme includes 405PS 5.0‑litre petrol V8 engine, eight‑speed automatic transmission, revised suspension, uprated brakes and luxurious interior 
    • Classic Defender clients can create their dream Soft Top, with a choice of four hood colours, two hood styles, and near‑limitless bespoke personalisation 
    • New Classic Defender V8 Soft Top prices start from £195,000 plus applicable local taxes

    Coventry, UK –  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.

    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.

    FURTHER INFORMATION

    Discover more at: www.landrover.com/classic, or +44 (0) 2476 566 600 or sales@classic‑jaguarlandrover.com 

    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.

    About Land Rover Classic 

    Land Rover Classic is the official source of authentic cars, expert services, genuine parts, and unforgettable experiences for classic Land Rover enthusiasts worldwide. Our team of highly skilled engineers at the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility in Coventry specialises in outstanding Land Rover Series I and Range Rover Reborn restorations and building the Defender Works V8.  

    All enquiries from prospective Land Rover Classic customers should be directed to:   
    sales@classic‑jaguarlandrover.com / +44 (0) 2476 566 600 / www.landrover.com/classic   

    Important notice 
    JLR is constantly seeking ways to improve the specification, design and production of its vehicles, parts and accessories and alterations take place continually. Whilst every effort is made to produce up‑to‑date literature, this document should not be regarded as an infallible guide to current specifications or availability, nor does it constitute an offer for the sale of any particular vehicle, part, or accessory. All figures are manufacturer’s estimates.  

    Further Information 

    For more information on the full range of cars, services, parts, and experiences offered by Land Rover Classic, visit: www.landrover.com/classic  

    For more information about Land Rover Classic Parts, including performance upgrades for the classic Defender, visit: www.parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.com  

    For further Land Rover Classic media information, visit: www.media.landrover.com   

    Land Rover Classic Channels:  

    Instagram: instagram.com/landrover.classic/  

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/jaguar‑land‑rover‑classic/ 

    Land Rover Channels:  

    Facebook: facebook.com/defender 

    Twitter: X.com/defender 

    Instagram: instagram.com/defender 

    YouTube: youtube.com/LandRover   

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/JLR 

  • Introducing Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke

    Introducing Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke

    Clients can now specify a fully restored Classic Defender V8 to reflect their personality, with an extended choice of materials, colour combinations, finishes and accessories 

    • Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke is the next chapter in the Classic Defender story
    • Unique new commissioning service represents the pinnacle of personalisation and restoration offered by Land Rover Classic Works Bespoke 
    • Clients can specify a fully restored Classic Defender V8 to reflect their personality, with an extended choice of materials, interior and exterior colour combinations, finishes, accessories, and upgrades
    • Remastered by hand in the UK by our expert Land Rover Classic engineers, each vehicle is fitted with a genuine Land Rover 405hp OEM 5.0 litre petrol V8 engine, producing 515Nm of torque, mated to an eight‑speed ZF automatic transmission
    • Available in iconic 90 and 110 body designs, priced from £190,000 plus applicable local taxes
    • Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke will make its debut at Goodwood Revival in September 2024

    [source: JLR, Land Rover Classic]

    The next chapter in the Land Rover Classic story has arrived, with the launch of the Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke. Expanding Land Rover Classic’s range of restoration services to deliver totally unique vehicles, Works Bespoke allows individuals to bring their Classic Defender vision to life and represents the pinnacle of personalisation. 

    With 90 and 110 body designs to choose from, clients can specify the Classic Defender V8 of their dreams using the new digital Land Rover Classic configurator tool, as well as receiving dedicated personalised support from the specialist teams at Classic Works in Coventry, UK and Essen, Germany.

    Each Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke is the product of hundreds of hours of painstaking work by our expert Land Rover Classic engineers. Every example, sourced by our team of specialists, utilises donor vehicles originally produced between 2012‑2016, before being fully remastered from the ground up to the finest possible detail, re‑engineered and upgraded, so that clients can be confident in the vehicle’s longevity, strength, and enduring quality.

    Blending luxury, capability and modern usability, the Classic Defender V8 is powered by a genuine Land Rover 405hp 5.0‑litre petrol V8 engine. Giving these exclusive vehicles the power of a V8 with the authenticity of a Classic Defender.

    Following the same mechanical formula as Land Rover Classic Islay Edition and Trophy vehicles, the powerful V8 engine is mated to an eight‑speed ZF automatic transmission for effortless performance underpinned by our in‑house suspension set up, developed for optimal road holding and ride comfort.

    “With Works Bespoke, we are giving clients the opportunity to create their perfect Classic Defender V8, a vehicle that will suit their exact lifestyle. Every vehicle is lovingly crafted, with creativity the only limit when it comes to personalising each vehicle to the owner’s desired specification. From start to finish, clients of Works Bespoke will be given an experience like no other, creating their ultimate Classic Defender V8.” – Paul Barritt, Director of Land Rover Classic

    Every step in the Works Bespoke design process is personalised with a range of colours and finishes available to fit every lifestyle inside and out. When it comes to exterior paint finishes clients can select the colour of their dreams for the timeless bodywork, whether it is from one of the defined Heritage, Contemporary, Premium or SV Metallic palettes, or a truly bespoke option with our match to sample service.

    The SV Metallic palette provides the most exclusive colour spectrum ever offered, with dramatic depth and impeccable hand‑finished quality, including colours such as Sunset Gold or Sunrise Copper. Heritage options include Balmoral Green and Marine Blue, while Contemporary offers Corinthian Bronze and Firenze Red, among others. The roof can be in body colour or completed with a contrasting finish, such as Limestone – the roof colour of the recent Islay Edition. 

    Customisation extends far beyond body colours, with the ability to refine a multitude of exterior details, ensuring each commission perfectly matches the client and their needs. Choose between a Heritage, Standard or Adventure grille, with bonnet script, door handles and fixings in either silver or black as part of the Silver or Black Packs. 

    A choice of 16‑inch Wolf wheels or 18‑inch Sawtooth alloys are available, the former finished in either black or Limestone. Additionally, side steps are available alongside accessories including a roof rack, expedition cage, ladder, and winch, for those venturing further off‑road. Atop the Classic Defender V8, clients can also select a set of classic‑style roof‑mounted spotlights, or a full roof‑mounted LED light bar. 

    As with previous Classic Defender V8 models, every Works Bespoke vehicle is fitted with modern LED headlights as standard for enhanced visibility in all conditions, paired with either the Heritage Lighting Pack or the Crystal Lighting Pack, lending distinctly classic or modern details to the vehicle’s bodywork. 

    The interior is recognisably Classic Defender, revitalised and crafted in line with the client’s desired specification, with carefully chosen modern features designed to make the Classic Defender as user‑friendly as possible. 

    A tactile and intuitive pistol shifter gear selector controls the automatic transmission, while luxurious leather can be found on the seats, side trim, doors, roof lining and dashboard, finished in one of five monotone or eight duotone options with colours such as Caraway, Liberty Blue, and Garnet.

    Prominent in the gloss black centre console is the Land Rover Classic Infotainment System, which incorporates modern functionality such as satellite navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth thanks to a 3.5‑inch touchscreen, with an original display and facia. 

    Clients are encouraged to utilise the new Classic Defender V8 configurator to explore a broad range of options, before consulting Land Rover Classic product experts to personalise their vehicle to an even greater degree. Clients are also able to look beyond this specific set of colours should they wish, discussing their desires with an expert member of the Land Rover Classic team. 

    For individuals who want to keep their options open when out on or off‑road, the Adventure Pack includes a roof‑mounted tent box and ladder, while a Ply Guys Camper Conversion is also available, turning the rear space of the cabin into a bespoke living quarters.

    Carefully selected donor vehicles date from 2012‑2016, with every example fitted with a naturally aspirated 5.0‑litre V8 providing 405hp and 515Nm of torque as part of the Works Bespoke process. Power is transmitted to the wheels via an eight‑speed ZF automatic transmission and All‑Wheel Drive system, providing everyday drivability and exceptional capability.

    All Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke vehicles benefit from a curated selection of high‑quality parts, such as performance‑focussed four‑piston Alcon brakes, the front discs measuring 335mm and 300mm at the rear. These offer excellent braking performance to match the vehicle’s straight‑line pace – whilst, in unison, the Defender Suspension Upgrade Kit ensures excellent on and off‑road comfort and performance, with revised Eibach coil spring rates and anti‑roll bars and Bilstein dampers.

    Perfect for adventurers, enthusiasts and collectors, prices for the Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke start from £190,000 + VAT for the four‑seat 90 Station Wagon and £199,000 + VAT for the five‑seat 110 Station Wagon. A seven‑seat 110 Station Wagon is available from £204,000 + VAT.

    The Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke will make its debut at the 2024 Goodwood Revival from 6‑8 September, giving prospective clients and keen Classic Defender fans the opportunity to see the vehicle and meet members of the Land Rover Classic team.

    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.

    About Land Rover Classic

    Land Rover Classic is the official source of authentic cars, expert services, genuine parts, and unforgettable experiences for classic Land Rover enthusiasts worldwide. Our team of highly skilled engineers at the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works facility in Coventry specialises in outstanding Land Rover Series I and Range Rover Reborn restorations and building the Defender Works V8. 

    All enquiries from prospective Land Rover Classic customers should be directed to:  
    sales@classic‑jaguarlandrover.com/ +44 (0) 2476 566 600 / www.landrover.com/classic 

    Important notice
    JLR is constantly seeking ways to improve the specification, design and production of its vehicles, parts and accessories and alterations take place continually. Whilst every effort is made to produce up‑to‑date literature, this document should not be regarded as an infallible guide to current specifications or availability, nor does it constitute an offer for the sale of any particular vehicle, part, or accessory. All figures are manufacturer’s estimates. 

    Further Information

    For more information on the full range of cars, services, parts, and experiences offered by Land Rover Classic, visit: www.landrover.com/classic  

    For more information about Land Rover Classic Parts, including performance upgrades for the classic Defender, visit: parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.com

    For further Land Rover Classic media information, visit: www.media.landrover.com 

    Land Rover Classic Channels: 

    Instagram: instagram.com/landrover.classic/

    Land Rover Channels: 

    Facebook: facebook.com/LandRover 

    Twitter: twitter.com/LandRover 

    Instagram: instagram.com/LandRover 

    YouTube: youtube.com/LandRover  

    Enquiries for Land Rover Classic should be made via: https://www.landrover.com/explore‑land‑rover/land‑rover‑classic/works‑bespoke/index.html, or +44 (0) 2476 566 600, or sales@classic‑jaguarlandrover.com