Land Rover Classic launches color-changing Defender V8: What’s so special about it

Land Rover Classic has released a bespoke set of Classic Defender V8 remasters, while expanding its restoration portfolio with two additional body styles. The latest project showcases a special color-changing exterior and introduces the Defender 110 dual-cab pickup and Defender 90 hardtop as new tuning options. Created specifically for a single customer, the range includes the Defender 90 Station Wagon, 90 Soft Top, 110 Station Wagon and the newly launched 110 Double Cab Pick-Up. Each car is painted in a custom Spectral Green paint, which changes between green, purple and gold depending on the surrounding light and viewing angle.

The company claims each Defender undergoes nearly 400 hours of work at its dedicated paint facility, including body preparation, painting, color matching and finishing. The unique Spectral Green finish is also applied to the 18-inch diamond-cut serrated alloy wheels, exterior badging and dashboard sections.An ice-white roof, adventure cage, bonnet text and hand-painted body contours contrast sharply with the exterior. The cabin features Bridge of Weir semi-aniline vanilla leather upholstery with green contrast stitching. Leather-wrapped Superwool carpeting and Defender-branded floor mats complete the interior.In addition to this one-off commission, Land Rover Classic has expanded the Classic Defender V8 program, adding a 110 dual-cab pickup and a two-seat 90 hardtop to its body style options. These models join the existing 90 Station Wagon, 90 Soft Top and 110 Station Wagon. The company also launched a new 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system for the Classic Defender V8 model. The setup supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as DAB/DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a 13-band graphic equalizer. Customers can also specify a reversing camera integrated into the rear bumper or optional rear steps.Customization options have also been increased, including a new roof paint, additional color options for 16-inch heavy-duty Wolf wheels, and the addition of a trophy package. The kit gives the hood, roof, rear door assembly and wheel arches a Narvik Black gloss treatment for a more contrasting appearance.

The latest customization project showcases the extensive personalization capabilities available through Land Rover Classic’s Works Bespoke programme, which allows owners to customize almost every detail of their Defender, including bespoke paint colors inspired by personal belongings, natural scenery or vehicles from their own collection.Powering the Classic Defender V8 is a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that delivers 405 PS and 515 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The company says the Classic also has a completely redesigned chassis to match the increased performance. The SUV features revised suspension geometry, upgraded springs, recalibrated dampers and stronger anti-roll bars for improved ride and handling. Redesigned steering enhances driver feedback, while larger 335mm front and 300mm rear brake discs provide improved stopping power supported by four-piston calipers.Each Classic Defender V8 is specially commissioned and hand-assembled by Land Rover Classic’s expert technicians. Production begins with original Defenders built at the Solihull factory between 2012 and 2016, which are carefully selected before entering the restoration process.The donor vehicle is then stripped to its core and rebuilt from the ground up. Throughout the restoration process, components are repaired, upgraded or replaced to meet today’s performance, durability and quality standards. The final product features classic Defender styling with modern engineering enhancements and comes with a one-year unlimited mileage warranty.