Land Rover Classic has announced the reintroduction of its iconic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top, marking the first new soft-top variant since 2016. The open-air model, built on the short-wheelbase ‘90’ chassis, revives a design cherished by enthusiasts while offering extensive customisation through the brand’s recently launched Works Bespoke programme.
Rare soft-top Defenders have long been prized among collectors, and this official iteration aims to blend open-top driving with the model’s renowned off-road prowess. Each vehicle begins as a meticulously sourced donor Defender produced between 2012 and 2016, undergoing hundreds of hours of reengineering by Land Rover Classic specialists to meet original equipment manufacturer standards. Enhancements focus on durability, comfort, and performance, ensuring the vehicles remain fit for modern use.
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The canvas hood, available in Black, Sand, Dark Khaki, or Navy, draws inspiration from the final 2016 Defender’s design. Its adaptable side and rear panels can be rolled up for partial open-air driving, with reinforced tie-downs to secure the fabric at high speeds. A secondary ‘Bikini Hood’ option covers the front seats exclusively. The hood frame incorporates design cues from the sought-after North American Specification 90 model, while the chassis features reworked suspension components, including Eibach anti-roll bars and Bilstein dampers, optimised for both comfort and off-road agility.
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Owners can personalise their vehicle with 49 paint options, including bespoke colour-matching services. Exterior details such as grilles, bonnet scripts, and wheel choices—16-inch Wolf or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys—further tailor the aesthetic. Interior customisation spans 13 leather upholstery combinations, with unconventional additions like integrated wine coolers or surfboard racks available.
Under the bonnet, the 5,0-litre V8 engine delivers 302 kW and 515 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Upgraded Alcon brakes, with 335mm front and 300mm rear discs, complement the performance enhancements.
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Dominic Elms, Managing Director at Jaguar Land Rover Classic, emphasised the programme’s client-focused approach: “Our team collaborates directly with owners to craft vehicles that reflect their vision, backed by the expertise of those who originally engineered the Defender.”
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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