Introducing the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top from Land Rover: a R4.8 million masterpiece
The Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top is exclusively available on the short-wheelbase 90 chassis.
Image: Supplied
People who insist that the original Land Rover Defender is the only true Defender now have an opportunity to own a new and upgraded Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top, which Land Rover says is the most desirable classic Land Rover Defender.
V8 powertrains are nothing new in a Defender starting with the Series III Stage 1 3.5-litre Rover V8 in 1979 and have been used in a number of Defenders around the globe since then including South Africa where there are a number of examples still running around.
Engine
It’s exclusively available on the short-wheelbase 90 chassis and is the first Defender Soft Top since 2016, following the introduction of the new Works Bespoke service in 2024.
Land Rover Classic is the official source of authentic cars, expert services and genuine parts for classic Land Rover enthusiasts. The facility in Coventry specialises in outstanding Land Rover Series I and Range Rover Reborn restorations and building the Defender Works V8.
The Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is powered by Land Rover’s 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine, with 298kW and 515Nm of torque paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission driving all four wheels via a two-speed transfer box.
True to the original Defender, it has both front and rear live beam axles.
The Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is powered by Land Rover’s 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Image: Supplied
Exterior
The canvas hood is available in four colours, with Black as standard and Sand, Dark Khaki and Navy also available. Its design is inspired by the hood fitted to the last Defender to roll off the production line in 2016 and features authentic tie downs and webbing.
The side and rear sections can be unzipped and rolled up for open-air driving, and Land Rover Classic has added extra tie-down points to keep the canvas tightly secured at highway speeds.
The hood frame has been specially designed for the new model, with bracing that takes its inspiration from the coveted original NAS (North American Specification) 90. A smaller ‘Bikini Hood’ is also available, protecting the front-seat occupants, in the same range of colours.
There’s a selection of 49 paint colours while the Works Bespoke match-to-sample colour service allows owners to create individual paint schemes.
There are five monotone or eight two-tone leather options to choose from inside.
Image: Supplied
Interior
Owners can personalise exterior and interior details including the grille, door handles and bonnet script, while a choice of 16-inch Wolf wheels or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys is available.
There are five monotone or eight two-tone leather options to choose from inside, with colours such as Caraway, Liberty Blue, and Garnet. There’s even an onboard wine cooler and a custom surfboard rack on the options list.
Suspension and brakes have been upgraded with revised coil spring rates, Eibach anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers that have undergone comprehensive testing and development. The brakes are uprated to four-piston Alcon units with front discs measuring 335mm in diameter, and 300mm at the rear.
Get hold of [email protected] and at the current exchange rate it’s yours for R4,884,199 before applicable taxes and comes with a one-year, unlimited mileage warranty.