Land Rover Classic has officially unveiled its latest masterpiece: a V8-powered, factory-restored Defender Soft Top, based on the iconic 2012–2016 model years. Priced from £195,000 (approximately ₹2.21 crore) before taxes and customisation options, this restomod is a dream come true for enthusiasts who want vintage charm with modern performance.

A Legendary Comeback — With more power and personality

This isn’t your average rebuilt off-roader. The Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition Soft Top is a limited-production project from Land Rover Classic, bringing together the rugged character of the past with contemporary mechanical upgrades and luxury customisation.

Under the hood sits a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine, delivering 405hp and 515 Nm of torque through an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive with a torque-biasing centre differential. This setup allows the retro icon to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 170 km/h — seriously impressive for a vehicle with military roots.

Suspension and Handling: Built for the modern trail

To ensure the reborn Defender drives as well as it looks, Land Rover Classic has equipped it with Bilstein dampers, Eibach anti-roll bars, new coil springs, and Alcon four-piston brakes (335mm front, 300mm rear). Buyers can choose between 16-inch steel or 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in chunky mud-terrain tyres, ensuring true off-road capability.

Style that stands out — Customisation at its best

The soft-top Defender is available with a bespoke canvas roof in four shades — Black, Navy, Sand, or Dark Khaki. Buyers can choose from 49 curated exterior paint finishes, or even submit a match-to-sample colour for complete personalisation.

Two hood styles are available: a full soft top or a bikini top, while the cabin offers a wide range of leather upholstery options (13 to be exact), duo-tone interiors, optional wine cooler, surfboard rack, and other custom lifestyle accessories.

A Nod to the past, engineered for the future

Inspired by the coveted NAS 90 Soft Top Defenders sold in North America, this V8-powered Defender is based on original Solihull-built Defender platforms (2012–2016). It has been meticulously rebuilt to OEM specifications by Land Rover Classic’s in-house engineers.

Each unit comes with a 1-year unlimited mileage warranty, reaffirming its status as a factory-backed collector’s vehicle, not just a backyard restomod.

Price and Availability

The starting price of £195,000 does not include taxes or optional features, but for collectors and off-road purists, it’s a small price to pay for a piece of automotive history, reimagined for modern roads.