Land Rover Classic has officially resurrected one of its most coveted creations – the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top – and it’s pure, unfiltered 4×4 fantasy. Equal parts rugged and refined, this limited-edition stunner combines the Defender’s off-road legacy with the joy of top-down motoring, all wrapped in a bespoke package crafted by the team that knows Defenders best.
Built exclusively on the short-wheelbase ‘90’ chassis, the new Soft Top marks the first official return of a convertible Defender since 2016. Each one starts life as a specially selected donor vehicle from the 2012–2016 era, and undergoes a painstaking, OEM-grade transformation courtesy of Land Rover Classic’s skilled engineers in Coventry and Essen. We’re talking hundreds of hours of expert work to reengineer every inch – all to create the most desirable classic Land Rover Defender ever.
Under the bonnet sits a snarling 5.0-litre V8 with 405hp (302kW) and 515Nm of torque, mated to a silky-smooth 8-speed ZF automatic. Suspension and brakes have been uprated too, with coil springs, Bilstein dampers, and Alcon four-piston calipers for road manners that match the looks. This isn’t just a museum piece – it’s a modern classic built to be driven.
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ABOVE: Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top
The bespoke canvas roof, available in Black, Sand, Dark Khaki, or Navy, is inspired by the final 2016 Defender and includes roll-up side and rear panels, plus an optional ‘Bikini Roof’ for breezier drives. For those who live out loud, there’s a dizzying choice of 49 paint colours, or you can go wild with Land Rover’s match-to-sample service.
Inside, the options are equally dazzling – from single-tone hides to vibrant two-tone leathers in hues like Caraway, Garnet, and Liberty Blue. You can also spec up quirky additions like a custom surfboard rack or an onboard wine cooler. Because what’s a Defender without a bit of drama?
Dominic Elms, Managing Director at Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said: “With the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, we provide an even greater opportunity to turn Classic Defender V8 dreams into reality. At Land Rover Classic, we work one-on-one with clients so their vehicle is designed and engineered exclusively for them – by the people who know it best.”
This drop-top legend is priced from £195,000 plus taxes and comes with a one-year unlimited mileage warranty. With just a whisper of wind and a roar of V8 underfoot, the Classic Defender Soft Top is back – and it’s ready to take your breath away.
Further Information
| TECHNICAL DATA | CLASSIC DEFENDER V8 WORKS BESPOKE SOFT TOP |
|---|---|
| ENGINE & TRANSMISSION | |
| Engine capacity (cc) | 4,999 |
| Cylinders | V8 naturally aspirated petrol (EU5) |
| Power PS (kW) | 405 (302)@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 and rear suspension | Front: live beam axle, Eibach coil springs, Bilstein telescopic dampers. Panhard rod and Radius arms. Eibach anti-roll bar. Rear: 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 |
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Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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