Classic Defender V8 with Octa Enhancements Priced Higher Than the New Octa | Carscoops

      Land Rover Classic now provides the opportunity to customize the classic off-roader with colors and interior trim inspired by the new Defender Octa.

      7 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      Land Rover Classic offers restorations featuring new Defender Octa color options.

      Customers can combine Octa paints with upgraded premium interior features.

      Classic Defender V8 models now have a higher price than the 2026 Defender Octa.

      The classic Defender remains timeless, and Land Rover Classic is keen to capitalize on this enduring appeal. Their latest initiative is a restoration and customization program that enables owners to personalize a vintage Defender in any color and trim combination taken from the new Defender Octa.

      These bespoke builds use re-engineered donor vehicles from 2012 to 2016 and are available in 90 or 110 Station Wagon configurations, as well as the open-top 90 Soft Top.

      The standout feature is the broadened color selection. New shades like Petra Copper, Faroe Green, Sargasso Blue, and Narvik Black, previously exclusive to the Octa, are now accessible. They join existing colors like Patagonia White, Borasco Grey, Carpathian Grey, and Charente Grey. Customers can also select between gloss or satin finishes, with the satin option offering a look similar to the Octa’s optional Matte Protective Film.

      According to Land Rover, achieving this finish is a meticulous process, as each Classic Defender V8 requires approximately 300 hours in the paint shop.

      Land Rover is also enhancing more than just the exterior paint. The exterior options now include five wheel designs in 16- or 18-inch sizes, a gloss black grille, crystal lighting, and a Chopped Carbon Fiber finish on the hood's Defender script. Additionally, there's a variety of bolt-on accessories designed for adventurous users.

      Beyond the exterior, Classic Defenders can now be outfitted with modern trim options for the interior. The cabin is available in Ultrafabrics with color choices like Khaki Green, Light Cloud, or Lunar. Alternatively, buyers may choose Burn Sienna semi-aniline leather or Ebony leather from the Black special edition of the Octa.

      For those seeking additional support while driving, Recaro sports seats with heating are available. Infotainment enhancements are included, although none as extensive as the 13.1-inch touchscreen found in the Octa.

      Looking past the new color options, all Classic Defender V8 builds come with a range of upgrades under the hood. The upgraded 5.0-liter V8 engine produces 400 hp (298 kW / 405 PS) and sends power to all four wheels through a ZF automatic transmission with a sport mode.

      Despite modern upgrades, the chassis retains its original ladder-frame design. Nonetheless, the components have been fine-tuned with custom springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars for improved on-road performance. Braking systems have been enhanced at both ends, and the steering has been revised to align with the updated dynamics.

      What Will It Cost?

      Of course, this doesn't come at a low price. The starting cost for a Classic Defender V8 is £190,000 ($254,000) before taxes and additional options, which is higher than the starting price of the new Defender Octa, currently at £148,045 ($198,000) in the UK.

      Dominic Elms, Director of Land Rover Classic, stated: “The Classic Defender V8 continues to be incredibly charismatic and in demand. Since the launch of the Defender OCTA in 2024, we've noticed a strong interest from our clients wanting to commission a matching Classic Defender V8, motivating our Works Bespoke team to collaborate with innovative paint and material technologies to create the ultimate Defender match.”

      Land Rover