There’s something magical about a boxy Land Rover with a canvas roof and a thunderous V8 under the hood. It’s the kind of machine that doesn’t just help you travel, in-fact it makes the journey feel like an event. That’s exactly the spirit Land Rover Classic has tapped into with the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, a handcrafted homage to the old-school off-roader, now with more grunt, more flair, and way more soul.
With this Land Rover intends to say, “Yes, we remember where we came from, and we’re bringing it back, better.”
“With the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, we provide an even greater opportunity to turn Classic Defender V8 dreams into reality. At Land Rover Classic we work with clients to provide a one‑to‑one bespoke service, so they can enjoy their vehicle safe in the knowledge it has been designed and engineered exclusively for them, by the original manufacturer – the people who know it best”, says Dominic Elms, Director, Land Rover Classic
Classic Gets Brawny
Your first glance at it, will remind you every bit of the Defender you remember. But under the skin? It’s quite a beast. Land Rover Classic starts with carefully selected Defender 90s (built between 2012 and 2016), then rips them down to the bones and rebuilds them into something special.
It’s fitted with is a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, no turbos, no hybrid tricks, just old-fashioned displacement, churning out 405 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque. Hit the gas, and this thing will scoot to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and can reach of speeds up to 106 mph. Not bad for something shaped like a tank on off-road tires.
Power goes to all four wheels through a smooth ZF 8-speed automatic, with locking differentials and a full-time four-wheel-drive system to keep you reminded this isn’t just for show.
Canvas, Character, and the Open Sky
The Soft Top might just be the coolest part. Inspired by the very last Defender to roll off the Solihull line in 2016, the bespoke canvas roof comes in a choice of four colors, Black, Sand, Dark Khaki, and Navy. And yes, the rear and sides can be rolled up for full safari vibes.
But wait, there’s a “Bikini Hood” too, which is just enough canvas to keep the sun off your head, leaving the rest open to the elements. Perfect for winding coastal roads or a summer day in the countryside.
Underneath the Vintage Vibe
This Defender isn’t stuck in the past. Land Rover has reworked the suspension with Eibach coils, Bilstein shocks, and anti-roll bars to help tame the chassis. The brakes? Big. Alcon four-piston calipers up front with vented discs, because 405 horsepower deserves some stopping power.
Choose between 16-inch steel Wolf wheels or go with 18-inch Sawtooth alloys, each one adding its own flavor to the mix. Finish it in classic black, or opt for something a bit more throwback, like Limestone, your wish.
It’s a Mood Inside
As you Slip into the cabin, you will feel that things get surprisingly plush. There are 13 leather colorways to pick from, Garnet, Caraway, Liberty Blue… it’s like building your dream Defender down to the stitch.
The craftsmanship is tactile and real. Soft-touch leathers, milled aluminum switchgear, and, should you want it, extras like a surfboard carrier, roof rack, or even a wine cooler. Because of course, you will not want miss it below the open sky.
Tailor-Made, One at a Time
These aren’t going to be mass-produced. Each Soft Top is built to order by Land Rover Classic’s team in Coventry or Essen, with a one-year unlimited mileage warranty and a customer experience that feels more like commissioning art than buying a car.
And the price? £195,000 before taxes. Which is steep, yes. But for something this rare and this desired, it might just be worth every penny.
Our thoughts
The Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is a love letter on wheels. To open roads, muddy trails, and a time when vehicles weren’t obsessed with screens and sensors but with feel, freedom and emotional connection.
Land Rover hasn’t just brought back a Defender, they brought back a feeling. And this perhaps is the most loved revival of any classic.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most accurate, latest updates or specific model configurations. Always consult official website/sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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