For those who want a Defender restomod, but with the official stamp of Land Rover – rather than an aftermarket company – your prayers have been answered.
Land Rover has revealed a reborn Defender V8, as produced by its Classic Works Bespoke department. And the powerful 90 and 110 models offer huge scope for personalisation.
Described as the ‘next chapter in the Land Rover Classic story’, the Defender V8 is built to order, with support from teams in both Coventry and Essen in Germany.
Paul Barritt, director of Land Rover Classic, said: “From start to finish, clients of Works Bespoke will be given an experience like no other, creating their ultimate Classic Defender V8”.
Modern power, old-school style
This is not the first time Land Rover Classic has sold a V8-powered version of the original Defender. Back in 2018, the company produced a limited-run of 150 Defender Works V8 models, priced from £150,000.
More recently, 30 examples of the Defender V8 Islay Edition were made in 2023. This Defender celebrated the Hebredian birthplace of Land Rover company founder, Spencer Wilks.
Like those previous models, the ‘new’ Defender makes use of a 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 405hp and 380lb ft of torque. An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is standard, as is the traditional Land Rover four-wheel-drive system. Zero to 62mph takes around 6.0 seconds.
Upgraded Alcon brakes with four-piston callipers are fitted, along with an in-house developed suspension kit. The latter includes Eibach coil springs and anti-roll bars, along with Bilstein dampers.
Unlimited options for customisation
Land Rover Works will offer the Classic Defender V8 in both 90 and 110 station wagon forms. The 90 accommodates four people, while the 110 will be available with five or seven seats.
Customers can pick from Heritage, Contemporary, Premium or SV Metallic colour palettes, along with endless options for exterior personalisation.
Modern LED lights are included as standard, with side steps, expedition roof racks and a front-mounted winch also available. For more extreme adventurers, a roof-mounted tent can be fitted – or even a complete Ply Guys camper conversion.
A luxurious classic Defender
On the inside, the formerly utilitarian Defender can be trimmed in luxurious leather, with five monotone or eight duotone colour options on offer. Buyers can also select from heated ‘Premium’ seats or a racier Recaro alternative.
A Land Rover Classic infotainment system incorporates satellite navigation, Bluetooth and DAB radio, operated through a 3.5-inch touchscreen that helps retain the original dashboard’s look.
Inevitably, owning an official Land Rover Defender restomod will not come cheap. Prices for the 90 start from £228,000, while the 110 requires at least £238,800 (before the inevitable foray into the options list).
An online configurator is available now to help potential customers explore possible specifications. The Classic Defender V8 will make its public debut at the Goodwood Revival meeting this weekend.
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