Land Rover goes back in time with Classic Defender V8

Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke is Land Rover's love letter to the OG

No, your eyes are not deceiving you right now. Yes, the original Land Rover Defender has already ridden off into the sunset. However, the automaker has decided to bring back the Classic Defender V8 with help from Works Bespoke.

That's right, clients who wish to get the OG Defender with an eight-cylinder under the hood complete with bespoke materials, colors, finishes, and more will now be able to do so. Built by hand in the UK by expert Land Rover Classic engineers, each vehicle will come with an OEM 5.0L V8 engine that generates 405 PS and 515 Nm of torque.

While it may not be as powerful as the 4.4L twin-turbo V8 found in the new Defender OCTA which makes 635 PS and 750 Nm of pull, the Classic Defender's V8 has more than enough grunt to take it anywhere. Power is then sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox. But how was Land Rover able to bring back the Classic Defender V8 in the first place?

For starters, the Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke will be available in 90 and 110 body styles. With Land Rover no longer manufacturing the classic body style, each commission will be based on donor vehicles produced from 2012 to 2016. Every example will be remastered from the ground up by engineers to the finest possible detail to ensure the vehicle's longevity, strength, and enduring capability.

As mentioned earlier, each Classic Defender V8 can be specified with a client's preferred exterior paint. Whether it's from Heritage, Contemporary, Premium, or SV Metallic color palettes, each customer will truly have a bespoke option to choose a specific hue. Clients will also be able to choose the type of grille they want whether it be Heritage, Adventure, or Standard complete with the hood script. Last but not least, the door handles and roof color can also be specifically chosen by a customer.

As far as wheels are concerned, there will be a choice between 16-inch Wolf wheels or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys. Accessories such as side steps, roof racks, an expedition cage, a rear ladder, roof-mounted LED lights, and a power winch can also be specified in the options list.

Hop inside, Land Rover kept the cabin in its original classic look. However, clients also have the option of putting modern amenities should they so desire. These include a 3.5-inch touchscreen display that fits nicely with the dashboard and comes with digital radio, Bluetooth, and navigation.

There's also a new pistol grip gear selector which looks similar to the one found in the new Defender. Leather seats come as standard inside the Classic Defender V8 although clients can choose between Premium seating or the sportier Recaro seats for the driver & front passenger.

Aside from getting modern luxuries and a thumping V8, Land Rover will also upgrade the Classic Defender V8 with a new suspension. It gets Eibach coil springs, anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers for better road manners and riding comfort. In addition, the classic SUV is fitted with larger disc brakes on all corners along with more powerful four-piston Alcon calipers.

Interested in getting one for yourself? Better have your checkbook at the ready as prices start at a very cool GBP 190,000 (or around PHP 14.140 million) for the 90 Series. Meanwhile, the 110 Series begins at GBP 199,000 (or around PHP 14.810 million). Opt for the seven-seater 110 Series and you'll have to shell out an eye-watering GBP 204,000 (or around PHP 15.180 million).

The Land Rover Classic Defender V8 will be officially making its public debut at the 2024 Goodwood Revival set from September 6 to 8.