Key highlights
- Classic Defender V8 now gets the full colour palette of the extreme Defender Octa.
- New interior materials include lightweight Ultrafabrics PU used for the first time on a Classic Defender.
- Each unit is hand-built through Land Rover Classic’s Works Bespoke programme with a 405PS V8.
Land Rover Classic has rolled out a fresh set of colours and materials for the Classic Defender V8, and this time the inspiration comes straight from the hardcore Defender Octa. The brand has essentially given Classic Defender owners the chance to match their retro icon with the wildest version of the modern Defender family.
Exterior updates
The Works Bespoke programme now offers five new exterior shades lifted directly from the Octa lineup. Petra Copper, Faroe Green and Sargasso Blue make the biggest visual splash, supported by Narvik Black and Patagonia White for buyers who prefer the bolder or stealthier side of the palette. These shades join existing greys like Borasco and Carpathian, and each vehicle spends nearly 300 hours in the paint shop, which explains why the finish looks like it belongs in a design museum rather than a garage.
Interior upgrades
The upgrades go inside too. For the first time, Classic Defender V8 buyers can choose Ultrafabrics PU upholstery, available in Khaki Green, Light Cloud or Lunar. Land Rover Classic has also added Ebony leather and Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather if buyers want a richer, more old-school cabin vibe. The seats can be Recaro sport units, hand-trimmed and heated, while the design team helps owners recreate the colour layouts from the modern Octa right down to the steering wheel and transmission levers.
Powetrain
Of course, the appeal of the Classic Defender V8 isn’t just about colours and materials. Every unit still gets rebuilt from the ground up using donor vehicles from 2012–2016. Under the bonnet sits a 405PS 5.0-litre V8 paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The suspension, steering and braking systems are all re-engineered for modern performance. This is a retro icon that accelerates, stops and handles far better than anything from its original era.
Custom options
Buyers also get a long list of custom options. There’s a gloss-black grille designed to improve cooling, chopped carbon fibre bonnet lettering, infotainment upgrades, a crystal lighting pack and wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches in 11 different finishes. As always, each Defender is built to order, so no two vehicles ever end up looking the same.
Pricing starts from £190,000 before taxes. Considering the craftsmanship involved and the cult status of the Defender nameplate, Land Rover Classic clearly knows exactly what kind of customer it’s building these for.
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