JLR Refurbs Classic Defender Adding V8 Power

For those of you hanging out for a classic Defender, rejoice and start saving. Because the firm is buying up original Defenders and refurbing them in the Works Bespoke personalisation division. So they won’t be cheap, kicking off at circa $NZ400k. Yikes. 

Evidently the official restomod programme for the classic Defender turns the 4×4 into a proper rival for the Mercedes G-Class. Not only are the underpinnings and powertrain given a right seeing to but also the interior that’s fully reworked.

Powered the rejuvenated Defender is JLR’s well known naturally aspirated 5.0-litre ‘AJ’ V8. That delivers 302kW and 516Nm through an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission. There’s enough stomp for a 0-100km/h time of 5.6sec. Top speed is a little over 160km/h.

Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs and anti-roll bars control the Defender through the corners. Brakes are uprated too with four-pot Alcon items.

The cabin rework sees the Defender’s seats, door cards, roof lining and dashboard reupholstered in leather. Five shades are on offer and two seat designs, one for comfort and the other a sportier Recaro update with thicker bolsters.

The new infotainment system features a 3.5in touchscreen, sat-nav, DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity while resembling the original head unit.

Exterior updates include brighter LED headlights and a choice of alloy wheels. Optional extras include side steps, a ladder and LED spotlights. Land Rover can also match the colour of their vehicle to anything the customers wishes.

Prices for the Defender V8 by Works Bespoke kick off at $NZ400k for a four-seat 90 model while the five-seat 110 starts at $NZ420k and the seven-seater is $NZ430k.

Each is based on a Defender produced between 2012 and 2016 (when production ended) and sourced by Land Rover. The firm did a similar thing some time back, but limited production to 150 units. Whether numbers are again limited is unclear. JLR has no plans to put the original Defender back into production.

The Land Rover Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke will go on display at the 2024 Goodwood Revival happening soon.