Land Rover has revived one of its most iconic models with the launch of the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top – the first official Defender Soft Top since 2016 and arguably the most desirable classic Defender yet.
This new release, developed by Land Rover Classic, combines the rugged, go-anywhere spirit of the Defender with a luxurious, tailor-made approach. Built on the short-wheelbase ‘90’ chassis, each vehicle is crafted through the brand’s recently launched Works Bespoke service, offering owners the opportunity to create a unique version of this legendary off-roader.
Each Soft Top starts life as a carefully sourced donor vehicle, originally built between 2012 and 2016, which is then comprehensively reengineered to meet modern OEM standards. Under the bonnet sits Land Rover’s mighty 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine, producing 405hp and 515Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox for smooth, responsive performance.
Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is available in dozens of colours. Here in Batumi Gold.
Land Rover hasn’t simply relied on raw power. The Soft Top benefits from uprated suspension — including revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers — as well as four-piston Alcon brakes with large discs, delivering both superior comfort and confidence-inspiring stopping power on any terrain.
Visually, the bespoke canvas hood harks back to the design of the last Defenders to leave the Solihull production line in 2016. Available in Black as standard or optional Sand, Dark Khaki, and Navy, the hood features authentic tie-downs and webbing, with side and rear panels that unzip and roll up for open-air motoring. Additional tie-down points ensure the canvas stays secure at highway speeds. A smaller ‘Bikini Hood’ is also offered, covering just the front seats.
Owners can choose from 49 factory paint finishes or go fully custom with the Bespoke match-to-sample service, ensuring their Soft Top is a true one-off. Details such as the grille, bonnet script, door handles, and wheel design – including classic 16-inch Wolf wheels or bold 18-inch Sawtooth alloys – are all customisable. Inside, clients can select from five monotone or eight duo-tone leather combinations in rich colours like Caraway, Liberty Blue, and Garnet, with options for bespoke finishes and accessories such as onboard wine coolers or surfboard racks.
Interior of the Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Soft Top in Caraway/Perlino leather combination.
“With the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, we provide an even greater opportunity to turn Classic Defender dreams into reality,” says Dominic Elms, Director of Land Rover Classic.
Prices start at £195,000 (plus taxes), and each vehicle comes with a one-year, unlimited mileage warranty. The specialist Land Rover Classic teams in Coventry and Essen work closely with clients, offering one-to-one guidance to deliver a Defender crafted to their exact vision – a true celebration of a British icon reborn.
Try the Classic Defender V8 configurator, HERE.
Author: Julia Pasarón
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