The Custom Retro Classic Defender V8 redefines Land Rover’s iconic 4×4 with modern engineering and a bespoke touch, thanks to Land Rover Classic’s Works Bespoke division.
With a starting price of £190,000 for the 90 model and £199,000 for the 110 model, this reimagined Defender isn’t just another SUV; it’s a personalised statement blending classic Land Rover aesthetics with luxury and performance.
Optional extras and upgrades can push the total cost beyond £220,000, offering a truly customised driving experience. The investment provides not only exclusivity but also craftsmanship that distinguishes each unit.
Additional options can easily add £20,000 or more to the final price, depending on the level of customisation. While this may seem steep, the investment provides a truly bespoke vehicle that combines classic Land Rover aesthetics with the performance of a modern luxury SUV.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the value lies in the blend of heritage, exclusivity, and personalisation. No two Classic Defender V8s are identical, making each one a unique representation of its owner’s vision.
If you crave a blend of heritage and performance, the Classic Defender V8 remasters the 2012-2016 models, offering extensive customisation, luxurious upgrades, and robust off-road capabilities.
Defender V8: A Modern Take on Land Rover’s Iconic Off-Roader
Table of Contents
- Introduction to the Custom Retro Classic Defender V8
- The Online Configurator: Design Your Dream Defender
- Optional Extras and Detailed Pricing Breakdown
- Performance and Specifications: The Heart of a V8
- Interior Features: Merging Tradition with Modern Technology
- Comparing the Custom Retro Classic Defender V8 to the Original
- Value Proposition: Why the Bespoke Defender Stands Out
- Debut at Goodwood Revival 2024
Introduction to the Custom Retro Classic Defender V8
The Custom Retro Classic Defender V8 is a nostalgic tribute to the original Defender, meticulously restored to meet the standards of a contemporary luxury SUV.
This bespoke vehicle is based on 2012-2016 Defender models, re-engineered from the ground up by the Works Bespoke division.
Every inch is touched by the skilled hands of Land Rover’s craftsmen, resulting in hundreds of hours devoted to mechanical upgrades, exterior refinements, and modern conveniences, all while retaining the Defender’s characteristic rugged charm.
The process involves a full mechanical overhaul, exterior refinements, and the integration of modern comforts—all while retaining the Defender’s rugged charm.
A Nod to History with a Modern Twist
The remastered Defender pays homage to its origins, yet it brings substantial upgrades in power, comfort, and safety. With the 5.0-liter V8 engine under the hood, it combines Land Rover’s legacy of off-road prowess with the sophistication of a modern powertrain, creating a 4×4 that’s as comfortable on city streets as it is on remote trails.
The Online Configurator: Design Your Dream Defender
Land Rover’s online configurator is the heart of the Custom Retro Classic Defender V8 experience, offering a straightforward yet detailed tool for creating the perfect vehicle.
The configurator allows customers to tailor nearly every aspect of the Defender, making it an ideal platform for enthusiasts who value personalisation.
Exterior Customisation: A Canvas for Personal Expression
Choose your body style: the classic, compact 90 Station Wagon or the roomier 110 model. Both offer unique benefits, with the 90 being more agile and the 110 providing added space for passengers and cargo.
- Paint Options: The configurator offers an array of finishes, including classic solid colours, metallic paints (like Indus Silver for £2,000), and exclusive heritage-inspired hues such as Keswick Green or Marine Blue (available for £2,500). These colours evoke the charm of Land Rover’s early days while giving the vehicle a contemporary polish.
- Grille and Lighting: Choose from a Standard, Heritage, or Adventure grille. Upgrade to the LED lighting pack (£1,200) for enhanced visibility. Each choice impacts the Defender’s appearance, allowing owners to add a touch of history or a more modern aesthetic.
Wheels and Accessories: Style Meets Function
The wheel options include Wolf 16-inch alloys for a rugged look and Sawtooth 18-inch alloys (£3,500) for better on-road handling. You can also opt for all-terrain tires (£1,000) to boost off-road performance.
Accessories such as the Adventure Pack (£5,000, includes roof rack and underbody protection) ensure your Defender is ready for any journey.
Optional Extras and Pricing Breakdown
The Custom Retro Classic Defender V8 offers a multitude of optional extras, which cater to different tastes and uses. Each extra not only adds to the aesthetic or functional capabilities of the vehicle but also affects the price.
- Paint and Exterior Finishes:
- Standard Solid Colours: Included in the base price.
- Premium Metallic Paint: An additional £2,000. This includes colours like Indus Silver or Carpathian Grey, which offer a sleek and modern look for a luxury off-road vehicle.
- Heritage Colours: Add an extra £2,500 for unique shades like Keswick Green or Marine Blue, which harken back to classic Land Rover colourways.
- Grille and Lighting Upgrades:
- Standard Grille: Included.
- Heritage Grille Upgrade: £1,000, for a more classic appearance.
- LED Lighting Pack: £1,200, ensures excellent nighttime visibility, an essential for both city driving and off-road adventures.
- Brakes, Wheels and Tires:
- Wolf 16-inch Alloys: Standard, suited for off-road enthusiasts.
- Sawtooth 18-inch Alloys: £3,500, recommended for those seeking a more refined look and better on-road handling.
- All-Terrain Tires Upgrade: Costing £1,000, these tyres offer improved traction for rougher terrains.
- Brake System Upgrade: Standard models come with Alcon four-piston brakes, ensuring confident and powerful braking performance.
- Accessory Packs:
- Adventure Pack: £5,000, includes a roof rack, winch, and underbody protection.
- Silver Pack or Black Pack: £3,000, adds chrome or black detailing for a more premium appearance.
Performance and Specifications: V8 Powertrain and Upgrades
At the core of the Custom Retro Classic Defender V8 lies a 5.0-liter V8 engine, churning out 405 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque. Coupled with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, this powertrain delivers both the raw power needed for off-road excursions and the smoothness for everyday use.
Upgrades That Set It Apart
The Eibach coil springs and Bilstein dampers significantly improve ride comfort and handling, a considerable upgrade from the original Defender’s more basic suspension setup.
Additionally, Alcon brakes provide robust stopping power, giving drivers confidence when tackling steep descents or sudden stops.
Key Specifications:
- Engine: 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8
- Power Output: 405 hp
- Torque: 515 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed ZF automatic
- Brakes: Alcon four-piston brakes for powerful stopping ability
Benefits over the Original Defender V8:
- The modern 8-speed automatic provides smoother shifts and better fuel efficiency compared to the original’s 4-speed or 5-speed manual transmissions.
- The advanced suspension setup results in superior ride comfort and handling, especially on-road, where the older model often struggled.
- Enhanced braking capabilities with the Alcon brakes ensure safer and more responsive deceleration.
Interior Features: Modern Amenities with Classic Appeal
Inside, the Custom Retro Classic Defender V8 effortlessly blends classic Defender aesthetics with modern comforts. The cabin features premium materials, including leather upholstery and brushed aluminium trim, while retaining a classic look, the dashboard incorporates a 3.5-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Bluetooth, and sat-nav to meet modern connectivity demands.
Recaro seats are available as an optional upgrade, providing superior comfort and support, especially during long drives.
The infotainment system is discretely integrated, featuring a 3.5-inch touchscreen that offers DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and GPS navigation. This combination ensures that while the Defender retains its traditional dashboard layout, it does not compromise on convenience and technology.
Luxurious Interior Upgrades
- Leather Upholstery: The cabin features premium materials with the option to upgrade to an extended leather package (£2,500), adding luxury to the classic feel.
- Heated Seats and Steering Wheel: This £1,200 feature adds a touch of comfort, especially during winter months.
- Recaro Seats: The Recaro sport seats (£3,000) not only look stylish but also offer exceptional support on long drives.
Comparing the Custom Retro Classic Defender V8 to the Original
The Custom Retro Classic Defender V8 represents a significant evolution from the original Defender V8 models. While the original models offered a basic, rugged experience focused on off-road capability, the remastered version provides a more refined driving experience, with modern conveniences that were absent in earlier models.
Key Advantages:
- Performance: The 5.0L V8 engine offers far more power and torque than older versions, which were limited in both output and refinement, along with improved fuel efficiency due to the modern 8-speed automatic gearbox.
- Comfort and Convenience: Unlike the original models, which had a more utilitarian interior, the Custom Retro Classic version provides a luxury feel with high-quality materials, modern seats, and advanced infotainment.
- Safety and Handling: The enhanced suspension and upgraded brakes offer significant improvements in on-road dynamics and overall safety.
Value Proposition: Why the Bespoke Defender Stands Out
The Custom Retro Classic Defender V8 starts at £190,000 for the 90 model and £199,000 for the 110 model.
Although the starting price may seem high, the Custom Retro Classic Defender V8 offers unmatched exclusivity, with each vehicle hand-built to the owner’s specifications.
The combination of classic design, modern engineering, and Land Rover’s heritage ensures that this vehicle is not just an SUV, but a piece of automotive history.
Debut at Goodwood Revival 2024
The Custom Retro Classic Defender V8 took center stage at the Goodwood Revival 2024, showcasing its seamless blend of classic styling and modern capabilities.
This prestigious event, known for celebrating automotive history, served as the perfect backdrop for Land Rover Classic’s latest creation. Enthusiasts were able to witness firsthand the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship that went into each custom Defender V8.
The Goodwood Revival debut provided a platform for prospective buyers to see the unique combinations of heritage-inspired colours, bespoke interior options, and custom accessories up close. It was also a testament to Land Rover’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the Defender while pushing the boundaries of performance and luxury.
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