There’s always been something special about watching Land Rover’s heritage division breathe new life into classic Defenders. The British marque’s Works Bespoke program has been transforming donor vehicles from the final production years (2012-2016) into 405-horsepower restomod masterpieces for years now. But the latest announcement from Land Rover Classic bridges two eras of the Defender nameplate in an unexpected way by letting customers spec their vintage 90 or 110 with the exact color and trim combinations from the modern Defender Octa.
When Two Icons Collide
Land Rover Classic is now offering five new exterior finishes borrowed directly from the Defender Octa palette, including the exclusive Petra Copper, Faroe Green, and Sargasso Blue, plus Narvik Black from the Octa Black edition and Patagonia White. These join the existing grey options already available on Classic Defender V8 builds. Each vehicle spends roughly 300 hours in the shop, and customers can choose between a gloss finish or a specially developed satin finish that mimics the Octa’s optional Matte Protective Film.
The customization extends well beyond paint. For the first time, Classic Defenders can be optioned with interior trim matching the modern Octa, including lightweight Ultrafabrics in Khaki Green, Light Cloud, or Lunar, along with Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather. Those wanting the full blackout treatment can spec Ebony leather from the Octa Black. Hand-trimmed heated Recaro sports seats are available, and Land Rover Classic’s design team will work with clients to replicate the exact color placement on everything from the steering wheel to the door trims.
More Than Just a Paint Job
While the Octa-inspired aesthetics grab your attention, the Classic Defender V8 underneath remains the thoroughly re-engineered machine it’s always been. The 5.0-liter V8 produces 405 horsepower, paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic featuring sport mode. The suspension gets custom springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars, while the braking system uses 335mm/300mm discs with four-piston calipers. The comprehensive overhaul keeps the ladder-frame chassis true to the original while updating the dynamics for modern driving.
Exterior upgrades include a gloss black radiator grille that mirrors the Octa’s design and a chopped carbon fiber bonnet script. Five different wheel styles are available in 11 finishes, ranging from 16″ to 18″, alongside adventure-ready accessories.
The Ultimate Defender Pairing
According to Dominic Elms, Director of Land Rover Classic, customer demand for matching Classic and modern Defenders drove this expansion. Since the Octa’s debut in 2024 with its 626-horsepower twin-turbo V8 and advanced 6D Dynamics suspension, owners have been asking for a way to create a complementary garage. The Works Bespoke program now makes that possible without requiring Octa ownership.
Spec Sheet
Base Vehicle: Donor Defender (2012-2016)
Engine: 5.0-liter V8
Power: 405 hp
Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic with sport mode
Body Styles: 90/110 Station Wagon, 90 Soft Top
Brakes: 335mm/300mm discs, 4-piston calipers
Pricing & Availability
Classic Defender V8 pricing starts from £190,000 (~$254,000), which puts it well above the modern Defender Octa’s $158,000 starting price. Each vehicle is built to order by Land Rover Classic’s specialist team in the U.K., with endless personalization options including infotainment upgrades, crystal lighting packs, and adventure accessories.
Recap
Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Octa Colors
Land Rover Classic is now letting you spec your restored vintage Defender with the exact colors and interior trim from the modern Defender Octa, like Petra Copper paint and Burnt Sienna leather on a 405-horsepower V8 restomod.
