Land Rover Classic, the firm’s in-house restoration company, has announced a new take on the classic Defender with a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 under the bonnet. The snappily named ‘Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke’ is made to order with a sharp new interior and a selection of design options, but every version comes with a 405hp engine and eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Hang on, hasn’t Land Rover done this before?
Well remembered. Back in 2018, after the final Defenders had left the production line, Land Rover announced the Defender Works V8, which also came with a 5.0-litre V8 engine. It was, however, the first V8 Defender introduced since 1998, when the second-generation Range Rover’s 4.0-litre V8 was fitted to a limited-edition Defender that celebrated the brand’s 50th birthday.
So, is this an all-new Defender?
Yes and no. But mostly no. These cars are essentially restored and modified (often referred to as a ‘restomod’), but the chassis is original. Every time a new Defender V8 by Works Bespoke is specified, Land Rover will source a donor chassis from somewhere, then perform a complete overhaul to get it back to as-new condition, if not slightly improved. Every donor chassis will have originally been produced between 2012 and 2016. Buyers can choose whether they want a three-door ‘90’ model, a five-door, five-seat ‘110’ or a seven-seat ‘110’ version.
What will Land Rover do to these old Defenders?
In essence, the cars will be totally stripped down and upgraded, or as Land Rover puts it, “remastered.” Externally, customers will be able to choose from a range of body colours, including heritage colour schemes and made-to-order hues that allow buyers to match their car’s paintwork to an object such as a garment. Buyers will also be able to style the car with different grilles and a choice of black or silver for the bonnet script, door handles and fixings. A choice of alloy wheels will also be offered, while side steps, an ‘expedition cage’ and a winch can also be fitted for those who want to venture off-road - or at least look like they would. LED headlights are standard, albeit in a choice of modern or classic styles, while customers can choose an LED light bar or a classic set of roof-mounted spotlights. Optional extras also include tent boxes and even a camper conversion pack, which turns the rear of the car into living quarters. Inside, the classic Defender style is left more or less unchanged, but Land Rover Classic will offer a Land Rover Classic Infotainment System, which incorporates navigation, DAB radio and Bluetooth in a 3.5-inch touchscreen with an original display and fascia. Land Rover has also fitted a ‘pistol-grip’ gear shifter for the automatic gearbox, while customers can choose between comfort-orientated Premium seats and sporty Recaro chairs.
What about under the skin?
Aside from re-engineering the car and making the chassis and bodywork as good as new, Land Rover has shoehorned its 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 under the Defender’s bonnet. That gives the car a total of 405hp that’s sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. As a result, the car will get from 0-100km/h in less than six seconds, and it has a top speed of 170km/h. To stop a Defender with that kind of performance, Land Rover has also fitted uprated brakes, and to control that body, there’s new and improved suspension with its own tuning. That means the car should be more comfortable on- and off-road, as well as providing better body control in corners.
What have Land Rover’s bigwigs said about it?
Paul Barritt, the 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.” Barritt’s team will display the new Defender V8 by Works Bespoke at this year’s Goodwood Revival (September 6-8) in England, which celebrates classic cars. Customers will then be able to place orders with prices expected to start at around €225,000 before taxes.