Land Rover’s New Classic Defender Options Borrow from Its Most Hardcore Off-Roader

Although Land Rover ended production of the original Defender back in 2016, that’s not to say that the brand has given up on its iconic boxy 4×4.

Along with sourcing approved examples of heritage vehicles, Jaguar Land Rover Classic continues to offer Defender 90s and 110s that are not only fully restored but also built to order. There’s even a convenient online customizer to design the rig of your dreams.

Land Rover

As if that wasn’t enough, Land Rover is infusing its classic catalog with some modern Defender DNA through the addition of some exciting new options.

OCTA exclusives no more

In case you’re not familiar with the Land Rover Defender OCTA, it’s essentially the most hardcore Defender you can buy. Along with a fire-breathing V8, it boasts trick off-road suspension and a bevy of eye-catching and exclusive paint options.

Land Rover

Now you can get said colorways on a classic V8 Defender 90 or 110. In addition to Petra Copper and Faroe Green, this means that Land Rover is also offering Sargasso Blue, Narvik Black and Patagonia White. 

In keeping with the fancy new paint, Land Rover is also treating its classic Defender to an interior upgrade in the form of the OCTA’s Ultrafabrics upholstery. As with the exterior, it will be available in corresponding exclusive colors like Khaki Green, Light Cloud and Lunar. There’s the option of Burnt Sienna and Ebony leather, too.

Land Rover

Moreover, Land Rover is willing to work with clients to replicate color placement and finish of modern OCTA models on everything from the steering wheel and the transmission levers to the dashboard, headliner and door trims. To that end, Land Rover even went so far as to develop the satin finish to “match the sheen of Defender OCTA’s optional Matte Protective Film.”

A factory Defender overhaul

While the OCTA-based options are strictly aesthetic in nature, the good news is that you don’t actually have to own a modern Defender OCTA to get your hands on one painted as such.

Land Rover

And besides, it’s not like Land Rover’s classic Defenders are lacking in power. Each build is based on a donor vehicle produced from 2012‑2016, fully restored, re-engineered and overhauled with a 400-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 under the hood in place of the 2.2-liter diesel.

Moreover, Land Rover builds all classic Defender commissions with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission for smoother shifting and improved power delivery. 

Land Rover

Coupled with a revised steering system, an updated suspension setup with custom springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, as well as some four-piston brakes front and rear, it makes for quite the modernization effort.

And that’s not even addressing the many adventure‑ready accessories and unique personalization options available. From infotainment upgrades and lighting packs to wheel styles and finishes, the sky’s the limit.

Land Rover

Pricing and availability

According to Land Rover, pricing for classic Defender V8 builds starts from £190,000. Each comes with a one‑year, unlimited mileage warranty. Head to JLR Classic to learn more.

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