While the modern-resto mod scene continues to gain momentum, it’s not every day that an automaker itself brings back a fan favourite. But, Land Rover has done just that with the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, a re-engineered throwback to the golden age of open-top utility, now infused with modern muscle.
The soft-top configuration is a nod to icons like the North American Specification (NAS) of the 1990s. These open-air Defenders have become cult collectibles today, and sales on the secondary market routinely fetch well north of $150,000. Clearly, there is a demand for these old-school Defenders, with companies like Florida-based ECD Automotive Design thriving on this trend. Now, Land Rover itself wants to get in on the action with the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top.
Hand-built at the Solihull plant in the U.K., each model begins life as a short-wheelbase Defender 90 donor, manufactured between 2012-2016. Land Rover Classic then completely transforms these vehicles. Under the hood, you get a potent 5.0-liter V8, paired with a slick ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. This gives the heritage off-roader enough modern grunt, with 0-60 mph coming up in just 5.6 seconds. Alcon brakes ensure that the stopping power matches the performance boost. But the upgrades don’t stop there, as this body-on-frame 4×4 also features anti-roll bars and Bilstein dampers for a more refined ride.
Beyond the mechanical stuff, Land Rover also offers an extensive range of personalisation options. You can choose from 49 factory paint shades or choose to go the fully bespoke route with a color match service. Choose from 16-inch steelies or 18-inch Sawtooth alloys. Inside, up to eight 2-tone leather combinations are on offer, along with a range of accessories like an onboard wine cooler. As for the roof, there’s a full-length soft-top available in black, sand, navy, or khaki, complete with authentic webbing and tie-downs. A bikini-hood option is also available, offering overhead protection just for the front passengers.
While the aftermarket does offer plenty of options when it comes to custom Defenders, for some, nothing will ever come close to an officially sanctioned example with a matching build-VIN, direct from the mothership. Starting at £195,000 before taxes (roughly $260,000), the Classic Defender Soft-Top V8 offers up a chance to savor the open-air magic, as the factory quietly steps away from one of its most celebrated models.
Ironically, this announcement comes at a time when the U.S. market faces a Defender void. Land Rover has temporarily paused its exports to the United States, amid the recent light of U.S. import tariffs. This hiatus could only fuel demand for classic Defenders. If you’re stateside, until the air clears on those tariffs, your classic Defender V8 Soft Top might have to wait.
Image Source: Land Rover
