Over just the last decade alone, the Classic Defender has become one of the most popular platforms for off-road-focused restomod builds. Wanting to get in on the action rather than merely watching from the sidelines, Land Rover has now announced that its bespoke vehicle building division will be offered factory-restored restomods built to the customer’s desired spec on a made-to-order basis — a vehicle known as the Land Rover Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke.
Donors & Body Styles
Each example is utilizes a classic Defender specimen produced between 2012 and 2016. From there, each vehicle is returned to the factory where it’s completely stripped down before being built back up with a host of modern upgrades and components. The Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke is being offered in both Defender 90 and Defender 110 station wagon variants — both of which offer seating for five. Additionally, there’s also a seven-seater 110 variant for a few extra grand.
The Powertrain
Regardless of body style, every Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke features a 5.0-liter V8 engine. Bolted to an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission, this naturally-aspirated V8 is good for 405hp and 380ft-lbs of torque — figures that aren’t crazy, but are still no doubt respectable. All 405 horses are transmitted to the ground via an all-wheel drive system.
Hardware & Componentry
The Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke comes outfitted with a thoroughly modern — and completely in-house-developed suspension setup with Bilstein dampers, tweaked Eibach coil spring rates, and anti‑roll bars. Bringing the factory-built restomod to a stop is a top-of-the-line Alcon braking package with four-pot calipers at all four corners, 13.18” discs out front, and 11.8” units in the rear.
Contemporary Cabin
Inside, the factory restomod has been largely reworked and modernized. Trimmed in premium leather upholstery that’s offered in five single-color options and eight duotone choices, the modernized off-roader comes loaded with a pistol shifter gear selector, a gloss black centre console with an integrated sat nav, a Bluetooth-connected DAB radio, and a 3.5-inch touchscreen set in the donor’s original display fascia. Just like the vehicle’s exterior, the cabin is offered with a myriad of configurable options too.
Optional Packages & Upgrades
Though every one of the Works Bespoke Defenders are already wildly impressive on several fronts, Land Rover is nonetheless giving customers the option of upgrading their example’s go-anywhere capabilities via the addition of several available packages. This includes an Adventure Pack featuring a roof‑mounted tent box and a roof ladder, as well as a Ply Guys Camper Conversion.
On top of the choice of either 16‑inch Wolf wheels or 18‑inch Sawtooth alloys, the restomod is also being offered with optional roof‑mounted spotlights, a roof rack, an expedition cage, and a winch. Every example is also sold with the choice of either the Heritage Lighting Pack or the Crystal Lighting Pack.
Spec Sheet
Class: Factory Restomod
Brand: Land Rover
Model: Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke
Available Body Styles: 90 & 110
Engine: 5.0L V8
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Horsepower: 405HP
Torque: 380FT-LBs
Starting Price: £190,000 (~ $250,000)
Pricing & Availability
Slated to make its official public debut next month at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Land Rover’s Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke starts at £190,000 (~ $250,000) for the four‑seat Defender 90 Station Wagon and £199,000 (~ $262,000) for the five‑seat 110 Station Wagon. This Works Bespoke model is also being offered in a seven‑seat 110 Station Wagon starting at £204,000 (~ $268,500).
Recap
Land Rover Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke
Land Rover’s bespoke vehicle building program announces a custom-configurable Classic Defender restomod meticulously reworked and modernized at the factory — and built to the customer’s exact desired specs.
