Land Rover Defender classic revived via Bespoke division

Classic Defenders produced between 2012 and 2016 with cosmetic and mechanical upgrades are being offered for sale by JLR.

Published On Aug 30, 2024 06:23:00 PM

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Land Rover has announced the revival of the Defender Classic via its Bespoke division. Although the Defender Classic went out of production in 2016, it still has a large global fan base. To cater to the needs of Defender enthusiasts wanting to experience the Classic, Land Rover’s Bespoke division will build these vehicles on a made-to-order basis.

Defender Classic restomods can be ordered in two wheelbase options
All units come with a 5.0-litre V8 engine
Buyers can customise their SUVs with a long options list

Land Rover Defender Classic: What exactly is it?

It’s essentially a restomod based on existing Classic Defender donor vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2016. These units are upgraded with modern features, chassis enhancements, and numerous personalisation options, depending on the order. Land Rover is offering the Defender Classic in both 90 and 110 body styles, and all SUVs undergoing this process will be ‘remastered’ by Land Rover Classic engineers.

As part of the customisation package, buyers can spec their Defender Classic in any desired colour from the Heritage, Contemporary, Premium, and SV Metallic palettes, or use the Bespoke match-to-sample service. A contrast roof can also be ordered, with exterior accents available in silver or black. Even the grille can be specced as per choice with various design themes, including Heritage, Standard, or Adventure. Modern LED headlamps replace the traditional halogen units on all orders.

These specially ordered Defender Classic units can be equipped with either 16-inch 'Wolf' or 18-inch 'Sawtooth' alloy wheels. Additional features include side steps, a roof rack, an expedition cage, a ladder, roof-mounted lights, and a winch. Customers can also order a roof-mounted tent, with more extensive options available for those looking to take their Defender Classic for camping.

The interior also undergoes a complete overhaul with leather upholstery available in five single-tone and eight dual-tone schemes. Premium seating options are on offer, including Recaro seats. The overall interior look is similar to the original Defender, but gets a 3.5-inch touchscreen system with Bluetooth, navigation, and DAB radio functionality. The SUV also gets a redesigned gear selector with added gloss black inserts, according to Land Rover.

Land Rover Defender Classic: powertrain

All Defender Classic restomods come with a standard 5.0-litre AJ V8 engine producing 400hp, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox by ZF, which sends power to all four wheels. Suspension upgrades include revised Eibach coil springs, uprated anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers. It also gets performance-oriented four-piston Alcon brakes with larger discs all around.

Thanks to its bespoke nature, the Classic Defender V8 is significantly costlier than the current-generation Defender line-up. Prices for the Bespoke Defender Classic range start at 1,90,000 GBP and go up to 2,04,000 GBP (approximately Rs 2.24 crore) before additional options.

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