Land Rover Bespoke Division Revives The Defender Classic With Modern Touches

Updated: Monday, September 2, 2024, 16:47 [IST]

Land Rover has reintroduced the Defender Classic through its Bespoke division, catering to enthusiasts of the iconic model. Although production ceased in 2016, the Defender Classic remains popular worldwide. The Bespoke division will now offer these vehicles on a made-to-order basis, featuring both cosmetic and mechanical upgrades.

Customers can choose between two wheelbase options for their Defender Classic restomods. Each unit is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine, and buyers have access to an extensive list of customisation options to personalise their SUVs.

Customisation Options for Land Rover Defender Classic

The Defender Classic is essentially a restomod based on donor vehicles produced between 2012 and 2016. These units are enhanced with modern features, chassis improvements, and numerous personalisation choices. Available in both 90 and 110 body styles, all SUVs undergo remastering by Land Rover Classic engineers.

Buyers can select any colour from the Heritage, Contemporary, Premium, and SV Metallic palettes or use the Bespoke match-to-sample service for a unique hue. Exterior accents can be ordered in silver or black, and various grille designs are available, including Heritage, Standard, or Adventure themes. Modern LED headlamps replace traditional halogen units across all orders.

Interior Upgrades and Features

The interior of the Defender Classic receives a complete overhaul with leather upholstery available in five single-tone and eight dual-tone schemes. Premium seating options include Recaro seats.

While maintaining the original look of the Defender's interior, it now features a 3.5-inch touchscreen system with Bluetooth, navigation, and DAB radio functionality. Additionally, the SUV gets a redesigned gear selector with gloss black inserts.

These specially ordered units can be equipped with either 16-inch 'Wolf' or 18-inch 'Sawtooth' alloy wheels. Additional features include side steps, a roof rack, an expedition cage, a ladder, roof-mounted lights, and a winch. Customers can also opt for a roof-mounted tent for camping adventures.

Performance Enhancements

All Defender Classic restomods come standard with a 5.0-litre AJ V8 engine producing 400hp. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox by ZF that powers all four wheels. Suspension upgrades include revised Eibach coil springs, uprated anti-roll bars, and Bilstein dampers. Performance-oriented four-piston Alcon brakes with larger discs are also part of the package.

The bespoke nature of these vehicles makes them significantly more expensive than the current-generation Defender line-up. Prices for the Bespoke Defender Classic range from £1,90,000 to £2,04,000 (approximately Rs 2.24 crore) before additional options.

This initiative by Land Rover ensures that fans of the classic model can enjoy contemporary features while retaining the timeless appeal of the original design.