Land Rover Defender Classic V8: A Heritage Icon Reimagined

In an era where EVs dominate headlines, Land Rover is proving there’s still room — and demand — for raw, analog charm. The 2026 Land Rover Defender Classic V8 is the latest creation from Land Rover Classic Works, the division dedicated to reengineering and restoring iconic models from the brand’s 75-year history. Hand-built in Coventry, England, this V8-powered short-wheelbase Defender is a masterclass in nostalgia blended with modern capability.

A V8 Worthy of Its Name

At the heart of the 2026 Defender Classic V8 is a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8, the same Jaguar-sourced powerplant used in the 2018 Defender Works V8. It produces 405 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The Defender V8 can sprint from 0–60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, making it one of the fastest classic-styled Land Rovers ever built.

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Performance upgrades extend to the brakes and suspension, both recalibrated to handle the added power and provide confident handling both on and off the road. The steering feel is sharpened, and ride comfort is improved with modern dampers and bushings, ensuring that the Classic V8 doesn’t just look vintage — it drives better than any original Defender ever did.

Classic Outside, Luxurious Inside

The 2026 Classic V8 uses a restored Defender 90 chassis as its base, retaining the iconic boxy silhouette that has defined the Defender for decades. Heritage color options — including Grasmere Green, Fuji White, and Santorini Black — are paired with a choice of canvas soft tops or hard roofs, offering open-air flexibility or enclosed utility.

On the inside, it’s anything but bare-bones. The cabin is finished with hand-trimmed Windsor leather, Recaro sport seats, and brushed aluminum details. Land Rover Classic’s own infotainment system is seamlessly integrated into the center stack, bringing Bluetooth, navigation, and DAB radio into the vintage-looking dashboard without disrupting its minimalist charm.

A bespoke analogue instrument cluster with retro-styled gauges and a heritage Land Rover badge reminds you that this isn’t a restomod from a third-party garage — it’s a factory-authorized revival.

Built by Land Rover Classic

Each 2026 Defender Classic V8 will be built by Land Rover Classic Works in the UK, with a strict production cap to maintain exclusivity. Unlike typical aftermarket rebuilds, these vehicles are factory-certified restorations, complete with VIN matching, provenance documents, and a Classic Works build plaque.

Buyers will be able to tailor their Defender with customization options including off-road accessories, special paint finishes, and even matching luggage sets — all curated through Land Rover Classic’s bespoke services team.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing for the 2026 Land Rover Defender Classic V8 starts at £245,000 (approximately $305,000 USD), making it a serious investment for collectors and enthusiasts. That price includes a full nut-and-bolt restoration, modern safety and performance updates, and access to Land Rover’s Classic Concierge services.

Production begins in early 2026, with builds prioritized for existing Land Rover heritage customers, VIPs, and select global markets. Expect extremely limited availability — fewer than 100 units globally are likely to be made.

A Future Classic

The 2026 Defender Classic V8 isn’t just a nostalgic rework of a beloved off-roader. It’s a curated, luxurious tribute to Land Rover’s rugged past, engineered with present-day precision. For collectors, it’s the ultimate expression of Defender DNA — rugged but refined, purposeful yet posh.

As Land Rover pushes deeper into electrification with its Defender Electric and hybrid variants, the Classic V8 serves as a final, thunderous salute to combustion-powered adventure.

Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top Quick Specs