Land Rover launches V8-powered ‘classic’ Defender costing £190k before tax
Online configurator is live
Land Rover is now offering customers a “fully restored” ‘classic’ Defender with a 5-litre V8 petrol engine for £190,000 plus tax.
Values of the classic-shape Defenders have sky-rocketed since the car was discontinued in 2016, but Land Rover’s Works Bespoke division is offering customers like-new examples with a performance twist.
Although based on the classic Defender, in either three-door ‘90’ or five-door ‘110’ forms, the Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke will house a V8 petrol engine under its bonnet.
Second V8-engined classic from Land Rover
It’s the second time Land Rover has launched a V8-powered classic Defender since the old-shape car was discontinued, having already created the Works V8 in 2018.
As with a new Land Rover, customers can specify their Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke using an online configurator tool, and the restoration will “reflect [the customer’s] personality,” but the cars will be existing ‘used’ Defenders, rather than brand new vehicles. Instead, they will be restored to as-new condition.
Land Rover provides the donor vehicle
Land Rover itself is sourcing the donor cars for the project, picking out examples produced between 2012 and 2016, then “re-engineering” the vehicles to provide the “longevity, strength and enduring quality” more akin to that of a new production car.
Customers will be able to choose any colour they like, whether it’s an existing Land Rover colour or a completely bespoke paint. And buyers will get to choose from a choice of three grille options along with two exterior fixing colours for the bonnet script and door handles.
Wealth of customisation options
A choice of 16- and 18in alloy wheels are available in a variety of colours, while accessories including side steps, an expedition cage, ladder and winch are all available. Customers can also choose a set of classic spotlights or a roof-mounted LED light bar.
However, LED lights are standard, albeit in the Heritage Lighting Pack or the Crystal Lighting Pack, allowing customers to choose between a contemporary or classic image.
Inside, the Defender can be specified with leather trim on the seats, roof lining, doors and dashboard, with a choice of comfortable Premium seats or more supportive Recaro sports items.
In the gloss black centre console, there’s a Land Rover Classic infotainment system that includes navigation and Bluetooth connectivity in a 3.5in touchscreen with an original display.
Modern mechanicals underneath
Technical upgrades for the vehicles include the 5-litre V8 petrol engine that pumps out 399bhp through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Naturally, the engine drives all four wheels.
However, to deal with that power, Land Rover has also fitted new performance-orientated Alcon brakes and a Defender Suspension Upgrade Kit, which features Bilstein dampers and revised Eibach springs, as well as re-tuned anti-roll bars.
Unsurprisingly, the Classic V8 Defender by Works Bespoke doesn’t come cheap. After making its debut, the car will go on sale with prices starting from £190,000 plus tax for the four-seat 90 Station Wagon. The five-seat 110 Station Wagon comes in at £199,000 plus taxes, and the seven-seat 110 Station Wagon costs £204,000 plus tax.
Goodwood Revival debut
Paul Barritt, Director of Land Rover Classic, said: “With Works Bespoke, we are giving clients the opportunity to create their perfect Classic Defender V8, a vehicle that will suit their exact lifestyle. Every vehicle is lovingly crafted, with creativity the only limit when it comes to personalising each vehicle to the owner’s desired specification. From start to finish, clients of Works Bespoke will be given an experience like no other, creating their ultimate Classic Defender V8.”
The Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke will go on display at the Goodwood Revival, which runs from September 6-8, before going on sale in the UK.
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- And don’t miss our Land Rover Defender 130 review. It’s the size that counts with this lengthened Landy, says James Fossdyke
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