Land Rover Classic Revives the Defender V8 with a Soft Top

Land Rover Classic has officially revealed the Land Rover Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top, reviving one of the most desirable variants of the legendary off-roader. This marks the first official Defender Soft Top model since 2016.

Open-air design

Exclusively available on the short-wheelbase 90 chassis, the new Soft Top is part of the recently launched Works Bespoke programme. Land Rover Classic will rebuild each vehicle using carefully sourced donor models originally produced between 2012 and 2016, reengineering them to OEM standards with a focus on luxury, performance, and durability.

The new bespoke canvas hood comes in four colour options — Black (standard), Sand, Dark Khaki, and Navy — and is inspired by the original hood fitted to the last classic Defender. It features authentic tie-downs, webbing, and side/rear panels that can be rolled up for open-air driving. A smaller ‘Bikini Hood’ is also available for just the front seat area.

Personalisation

Buyers can choose from 49 paint finishes, with an option for a match-to-sample custom colour service for a truly individual creation. Exterior details like the grille, door handles, and bonnet script can also be personalised. Wheel choices include 16-inch Wolf wheels or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys, with Black or Limestone finishes.

The cabin can be specified with five monotone or eight duo-tone leather options, with colours including Caraway, Liberty Blue, and Garnet. Land Rover Classic even offers unusual options like an onboard wine cooler or a custom surfboard rack to suit different lifestyles.

Defender V8 power and upgraded chassis

Under the hood, every Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is powered by a 5.0-litre petrol V8, producing 405 hp and 515 Nm of torque. It’s paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth and responsive performance.

The chassis has been comprehensively reworked with uprated suspension and brakes. The suspension features revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers, all tested to OEM standards. Braking performance comes from four-piston Alcon units with large discs — 335 mm at the front and 300 mm at the rear — for strong stopping power.

Defender V8 availability and pricing

The Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top is built at the Land Rover Classic facilities in Coventry, UK, and Essen, Germany. Pricing starts at £195,000 (around AED 894,000) plus applicable local taxes. Each vehicle includes a one-year, unlimited mileage warranty.

Deliveries are expected to begin later this year, and production will be strictly limited, making this a true collector’s piece for Defender enthusiasts.