Not all legends wear capes—some wear canvas. Prepare to tip your panama hat, or simply roll up your sleeves, as Land Rover Classic has dusted off its toolbox (and perhaps a monocle or two) to resurrect an automotive icon: the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top. This is not just a revival; it’s a meticulously hand-built, open-air encore that’s determined to blur the line between classic nostalgia and contemporary excess—with an expertly tuned bellow for good measure.
This isn’t just a Defender—it’s a symphony of craftsmanship and power, a love letter to the legendary NAS 90s of the ’90s, and a tribute to the last soft-top Defender to roll off the line in 2016. Each vehicle is built by Land Rover Classic’s own artisans in Coventry, lovingly resurrected from Solihull-born 2012–2016 donor vehicles before receiving a comprehensive transformation worthy of an automotive Oscar. Think of it as vintage Defender DNA spliced with post-gym Range Rover muscle: a 405PS 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine coiled under the bonnet, coupled to a silky eight-speed ZF automatic.
In terms of performance, this open-air brute scoots from 0–60mph in 5.6 seconds—a figure likely to make lesser SUVs puff up their air suspension in envy. The 515Nm of torque ensures the only thing left behind is a symphony of V8 thunder and possibly your retro safari hat.
If you’ve ever fancied a highly customisable British icon that takes open-top motoring to patrician extremes, your wish is this workshop’s command. The Soft Top is exclusively available on the short-wheelbase ‘90’ chassis—think compact, nimble, and agile, but with a stance that suggests it could out-muscle a rugby scrum .
Personalization here is borderline decadent. Four bespoke canvas hood colors (from demure Black to Sand, Dark Khaki, or Navy), two hood styles (the full soft top or a “Bikini” canopy for front-seat sun-seekers), and a staggering 49 paint finishes are on the menu. And if none of those tickle your fancy, the Works Bespoke team will match your Defender to the color of your favorite tie—or surfboard, should you so desire. Speaking of surfboards, a custom rack is a genuine option. And if off-roading with chilled rosé is your idea of luxury, there’s even an onboard wine cooler. You get to spec the wheels, dress the interior in five monotone or eight duo-tone leathers from Caraway to Garnet, and if you ask nicely, Land Rover Classic might just let you pick out the stitching.
Underneath, don’t let the retro silhouette deceive you. The suspension setup is all business: live beam axles, Eibach coil springs, Bilstein dampers, custom anti-roll bars, and four-piston Alcon brake calipers ready to halt your escapade at will. It’s an OEM-standard blend of rugged Defender capability and comfort, ensuring this is as suitable for the King’s Road as it is for the King’s trail.
Land Rover Defenders have flirted with V8 power since 1979’s Series III Stage 1; the all-new Soft Top continues this tradition, slotting into the timeline somewhere between legendary and lunatic. Expect a one-year, unlimited mileage warranty—but then, for a starting price of £195,000 (plus taxes), you’d hope for as much reassurance as roar.
The Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is more than just a car; it’s a rolling rebuttal to the disposable digital age—a slice of British motoring history, rebooted with ferocious charm and just the right amount of irreverence. Whether you’re crossing continents, cruising the Cornish coast, or simply chauffeuring your dog to the farmer’s market, this Soft Top guarantees you do it with a grin, a growl, and a story to tell.
Just be ready for the inevitable question at the petrol pump: “Is that real?” To which the only correct answer is—absolutely, and then some.
