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The Land Rover Defender may have officially retired in 2016, but its legacy continues stronger than ever. Through the Land Rover Classic Works Bespoke program, the British carmaker is keeping the spirit of this iconic off-roader alive with meticulously restored, factory-certified classic Defenders.
The latest creation from the Classic division is a Defender V8 painted in Octa-inspired shades, crafted by hand over an extensive 300-hour process. This unique customization aligns the legendary off-road model with the design sophistication of the new Defender Octa, celebrating craftsmanship, heritage, and performance in one stunning package.
Land Rover Defender V8: Key Highlights
|
Feature |
Specification |
|
Program |
Land Rover Classic Works Bespoke |
|
Engine |
5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 |
|
Power Output |
400 hp |
|
Torque |
515 Nm |
|
Transmission |
8-speed ZF automatic |
|
Paint Process Duration |
300 hours |
|
Paint Shades |
Petra Copper, Faroe Green, Sargasso Blue, Narvik Black, Carpathian Grey, and Charente Grey |
|
Finish Options |
Glossy or Satin |
|
Interior Colours |
Khaki Green, Light Cloud, Lunar, Burnt Sienna, Ebony |
|
Target Models |
Defenders built between 2012 – 2016 |
A Classic Reborn with a Modern Twist
The Defender V8 from the Classic collection isn’t merely a retro revival — it’s a work of art blending tradition and modern aesthetics. Each SUV undergoes a complete transformation at Land Rover Classic’s facility, where artisans spend over 300 hours perfecting the paint inspired by the Defender Octa’s premium design palette.
Customers can choose from six striking exterior colours —
- Petra Copper
- Faroe Green
- Sargasso Blue
- Narvik Black
- Carpathian Grey
- Charente Grey
Each hue can be finished in a satin or high-gloss coat. For added bespoke flair, the grille can be painted in glossy black, and the hood features the Defender script rendered in chopped carbon fiber — a subtle nod to the Octa’s premium styling.
Interior: Crafted Luxury Inspired by the Defender Octa
Inside, the transformation continues with a refined, Octa-inspired cabin that merges classic Defender ruggedness with modern comfort and design sophistication.
Depending on upholstery choice — fabric or leather — buyers can customize their Defender’s interior with exclusive shades such as:
- Khaki Green
- Light Cloud
- Lunar
- Burnt Sienna
- Ebony
These premium colours extend seamlessly across the dashboard, door cards, headlining, transmission levers, and steering wheel, maintaining harmony throughout the cabin. The design ethos keeps the Defender’s utilitarian charm intact while introducing a touch of contemporary opulence.
Power and Performance: A True V8 Charter
Under the hood, the Defender Classic V8 roars to life with Land Rover’s in-house 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine — not the twin-turbo 4.4-litre BMW-sourced powerplant used in the modern Defender Octa.
Engine Specifications
|
Details |
Land Rover Defender Classic V8 |
|
Engine Type |
5.0-litre NA petrol V8 |
|
Maximum Power |
400 hp |
|
Peak Torque |
515 Nm |
|
Gearbox |
8-speed ZF automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
4WD (Permanent) |
|
Braking |
Upgraded performance brakes |
|
Suspension |
Redesigned system for better handling |
With 400 horsepower and 515 Nm of torque, the Defender V8 maintains its iconic off-road strength while offering a smoother, more dynamic drive thanks to its ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Braking systems and steering components have also been fine-tuned to deliver improved handling balance on and off-road.
Bespoke Detailing and Collector Appeal
Land Rover emphasizes that no two Defender V8s under the Works Bespoke program are identical. Each car receives individualized detailing and personal configuration, reinforcing the model’s collector status among enthusiasts worldwide.
The Octa-inspired paintwork, new upholstery materials, and performance upgrades make this Defender V8 a celebration of craftsmanship, engineering heritage, and timeless design.
Interestingly, while the new Defender Octa represents the future of the brand using BMW’s powertrains and cutting-edge hybrid technology, the Classic Defender V8 channels Land Rover’s mechanical purity and analog driving spirit — both appealing to different generations of enthusiasts.
Land Rover Classic: Preserving Heritage with Modern Craft
Land Rover’s Classic division continues to preserve and celebrate the brand’s iconic lineage through detailed restorations, authentic reproductions, and bespoke builds. The Defender Works V8 Bespoke exemplifies this blend of artistry and heritage engineering.
Each model serves as a tribute to Land Rover’s 75-year legacy, carrying the DNA of durability, exploration, and design that defines the Defender’s ethos.
Final Thoughts
The Land Rover Defender V8 Octa Edition crafted under the Classic Works Bespoke program stands as an emblem of handcrafted excellence. Spending over 300 hours per unit, Land Rover’s artisans have created a stunning bridge between past and present — combining classic Defender ruggedness with the Octa’s premium design cues.
With limited availability, bespoke finishes, and a handcrafted soul, the Defender V8 Octa-inspired edition is more than just a restoration — it’s a symbol of Timeless Power, Modern Craft.
