Get Ready to Feel the Open Sky! The Classic Defender is Back

Land Rover Classic has brought back a true icon and legend with the launch of the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top, one of the most desirable versions of the Defender ever made.

This new model definitely brings back the charm of the soft-top Defender. It offers and excellent combination of open-air driving fun with the tough off-road performance the Defender is known for. This iconic model is built exclusively on the short-wheelbase ’90’ chassis. It is also interesting as this is the first soft-top Defender offered by Land Rover since 2016. The new Soft Top lets customers create a fully personalized version of this legendary vehicle.

Each Defender V8 Soft Top creation starts with a carefully chosen donor vehicle (originally built between 2012 and 2016) that is completely rebuilt and upgraded by Land Rover Classic’s expert engineers. This finished product meets original manufacturing standards, focusing on durability, luxury, and true Defender capability.

The Soft Top model features a specially designed canvas roof that comes in four different colors, namely Black (standard), Sand, Dark Khaki, and Navy. Inspired by the final 2016 Defender models, the canvas includes classic tie-downs and can be rolled up at the sides and rear for an open-air feel.

Buyers can pick from 49 paint colours, or even create a unique shade through the Bespoke match-to-sample service. Land Rover Classic offers many ways to customise the exterior and interior, including grille designs, door handles, bonnet badging, and wheel choices. Inside, customers can choose from a wide range of leather colours and trims, including special touches like an onboard wine cooler or a custom surfboard rack.

Under the hood, the Defender Soft Top is powered by a massive 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine producing 405 hp power and 515 Nm of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission for smooth and powerful performance.

The new classic vehicle also comes with upgraded suspension and brakes, which is tailored specifically for the Soft Top model. It features tuned coil springs, anti-roll bars by Eibach, Bilstein dampers, and strong Alcon brakes for excellent comfort, control, and stopping power.

All these classic vehicles are built and supported by Land Rover Classic teams in Coventry, UK, and Essen, Germany. Prices for the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top start at £195,000 plus local taxes, and each one comes with a one-year, unlimited mileage warranty.