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Classic Defender Can Combine Modern Luxury and Customization

Published February 18, 2026, 09:20
Classic Defender Can Combine Modern Luxury and Customization

Land Rover Classic, the brand’s official division for the restoration and customization of the iconic Defender, has announced a new option aimed at the most demanding collectors. It can now create a Classic Defender V8 in any color and interior combination that corresponds to the modern Defender OCTA, the top and most extreme performance model in the contemporary Defender family. In this way, the brand confirms that the Defender’s heritage can be combined with the most modern luxury and customization. The new option applies to Classic Defender V8 models in 90 or 110 Station Wagon versions, as well as the particularly popular 90 Soft Top. Inspired by the OCTA, five new exterior shades are added to the customization program, while the painting process is a work of art in itself. Each Classic Defender V8 spends approximately 300 hours in the paint shop, with meticulous preparation, accurate color matching, and final polishing. All shades are available in either glossy or specially developed satin finish, to match the optional Matte Protective Film of the Defender OCTA. For the first time, Land Rover Classic also offers new interior options inspired by the OCTA. These include lightweight Ultrafabrics™ PU in shades of Khaki Green, Light Cloud and Lunar, as well as semi-aniline Burnt Sienna leather upholstery. For those who prefer a darker aesthetic, Ebony leather is also available, as in the OCTA Black. Customers can select handmade heated Recaro seats and work with the Land Rover Classic design team to faithfully reproduce color details on the steering wheel, dashboard, and trim. Additional new equipment options include glossy black grilles inspired by the OCTA, as well as hood badges made of chopped carbon fiber. Each Classic Defender V8 is made to order, based on a donor vehicle dating from 2012 to 2016, fully restored and upgraded with the 5.0-liter 405hp V8. All models feature a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, sport mode, special suspension, upgraded steering and more powerful brakes. Along with options such as upgraded infotainment, crystal lighting pack, five wheel designs in 11 finishes and adventure accessories, and many more.