Classic Defender V8 Soft Top Returns

Classic Defender V8 Soft Top joins the Land Rover Classic line‑up, paying homage to previous generations of Defender Soft Top, including the sought‑after NAS 90 from the 1990s. Comprehensive rebuild and upgrade programme includes 405PS 5.0‑litre petrol V8 engine, eight‑speed automatic transmission, revised suspension, uprated brakes and luxurious interior

Land Rover Classic has confirmed the return of an icon with the launch of the Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top – the most desirable classic Land Rover Defender.
Softtop examples of the classic Defender are highly soughtafter, and the new addition makes it possible to own a personalised example of this legendary model from the official home of classic Defenders, combining the joy of opentopped driving with traditional Defender offroad capability.

Exclusively available on the shortwheelbase ‘90’ chassis, the Soft Top – the first Defender Soft Top since 2016 – follows the introduction of the new Works Bespoke service in 2024. The Soft Top provides a new way for clients to express their dream vision of a legendary Classic Defender.
Each Classic Defender V8 Soft Top is the result of hundreds of hours of work by expert Land Rover Classic engineers. Every example begins with a specially sourced donor vehicle, originally produced from 20122016, which is comprehensively enhanced and reengineered. The result is a unique vehicle, produced to OEM standards with longevity, luxury and capability in mind.

A bespoke canvas hood ensures a perfect fit, and is available in four colours, with Black as standard and Sand, Dark Khaki and Navy also available. Its unique design is inspired by the hood fitted to the last Defender to roll off the production line in 2016 and features authentic tie downs and webbing. The side and rear sections can be unzipped and rolledup for open air driving while retaining a degree of protection from the elements, and Land Rover Classic has added extra tiedown points to keep the canvas tightly secured at highway speeds.

Classic Defender clients can create their dream Soft Top, with a choice of four hood colours, two hood styles, and near‑limitless bespoke personalisation

A selection of 49 paint finishes allows clients to create their perfect look, while the Works Bespoke matchtosample colour service allows owners to create truly individual paint schemes.
All Classic Defender V8 Soft Top vehicles are powered by a Land Rover 5.0 litre petrol V8 engine, with 405 hp and 515 Nm of torque. This is paired with an eightspeed ZF automatic transmission, ensuring effortless performance and precise responses.

The V8 power is accompanied by uprated suspension and brakes. The suspension setup is specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of the 90 Soft Top and combines traditional Defender capability with superior comfort in all environments. Its revised coil spring rates, Eibach antiroll bars, and Bilstein dampers have undergone comprehensive testing and development to ensure they meet OEM standards. The brakes are uprated to fourpiston Alcon units with front discs measuring 335 mm in diameter, and 300 mm at the rear, for confidenceinspiring stopping power.

For those seeking a blend of authentic design and modern performance, the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top offers a one-of-a-kind return to the glory of true off-road driving. Dedicated personalised support is provided by the specialist teams at Land Rover Classic in Coventry, UK, and Essen, Germany.