Land Rover Classic has unveiled its latest upgrade to the Classic Defender V8 programme, giving buyers the option to commission a remastered, V8-powered icon in the same colour and trim combinations as the high-performance Defender OCTA — with pricing starting from £190,000 (plus local taxes). The new update allows customers to create a fully restored, re-engineered Classic Defender V8, available in 90 or 110 Station Wagon or 90 Soft Top shapes, now wearing the same bold exterior colours, premium finishes and cabin materials that debuted on the flagship Defender OCTA. OCTA Style for a Classic Icon Inspiration from the extreme-performance Defender OCTA adds five striking new shades to the Classic Defender V8 palette: OCTA-exclusive Petra Copper, Faroe Green and Sargasso Blue, along with Narvik Black from OCTA Black and bright Patagonia White. These join the existing Borasco Grey, Carpathian Grey and Charente Grey. Each vehicle undergoes an extraordinary 300 hours of paintwork — from surface preparation to meticulous colour-matching and final finishing. Buyers can choose a high-gloss shine or a bespoke satin effect designed to replicate OCTA’s Matte Protective Film. First Use of Ultrafabrics™ on a Classic Defender For the first time, the Classic Defender V8 range offers lightweight Ultrafabrics™ PU material, mirroring the interior themes of the Defender OCTA. Colours include Khaki Green, Light Cloud and Lunar, with Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather also available. For clients inspired by OCTA Black, an Ebony leather option completes the palette. Every commission is hand-trimmed and can be customised down to the steering wheel, transmission levers, dashboard, headlining and door panels. Heated Recaro sports seats are available for those wanting a more performance-focused cabin. Land Rover Classic has also created exclusive exterior enhancements, including a gloss-black radiator grille modelled on the Defender OCTA’s design for improved cooling performance, plus a Chopped Carbon Fibre bonnet script. Rebuilt, Re-Engineered and Powered by a 298kW V8 Each Classic Defender V8 begins life as a donor vehicle built between 2012 and 2016, before undergoing a complete restoration and mechanical transformation by Land Rover Classic’s Works Bespoke specialists. Under the bonnet sits a 298kW 5.0-litre V8 paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with sport mode. The powertrain is supported by upgraded suspension featuring bespoke springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, along with revised steering and high-performance brakes (335mm front / 300mm rear discs with four-piston calipers). Tailored to Your Lifestyle Buyers can further enhance their commission with infotainment upgrades, crystal lighting, 16-inch or 18-inch wheels in 11 finishes, and a suite of accessories for adventure or urban sophistication. And crucially, customers do not need to own a Defender OCTA to customise their Classic Defender V8 in matching colours or trims. Dominic Elms, Director of Land Rover Classic, says demand for OCTA-inspired builds has been strong since the OCTA’s 2024 debut: “Ever since Defender OCTA’s launch in 2024 we’ve seen an appetite from our clients wanting to commission a matching Classic Defender V8… creating the ultimate Defender pairing.” Built to Order, Protected by Warranty Each commissioned Classic Defender V8 includes a one-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, reinforcing Land Rover Classic’s commitment to craftsmanship and long-term durability.