Defender Soft Top resurrected – with 5.0-litre V8

It would seem like the world, and Land Rover, still can’t quite get enough of the old Defender. Having made the Works V8 models, a pair of Trophy special editions and then the Classic Defender V8, there was one restoration box left unticked: the convertible. So here we have a new Defender Soft Top, evoking the glory days of canvas-roofed Landies in unmistakable fashion. 

The last Defender off the line in 2016 was actually a Soft Top, so it was always likely that the new Works Bespoke division might resurrect the configuration at some point. All will be built from 90 chassis Defenders built between 2012 and 2016, sourced by Land Rover (good news if you’ve been hoarding one, perhaps) before then being ‘comprehensively enhanced and reengineered.’ Hundreds of hours is invested in the transformation, which as well as the obvious decapitation also ramps up the opulence to a level Defenders never really knew until they were getting in-house restoration. The Soft Tops are being assembled with ‘longevity, luxury and capability in mind.’

And a honking great V8 under the bonnet, of course. As per all these recent reimaginations, power now comes from the venerable 5.0-litre, producing 405hp and driving through an eight-speed auto. Which, frankly, could be a bit terrifying in a car without a roof and with a wheelbase not much longer than the tracks are wide. It’ll sound good, at least. 

There’s plenty of supporting hardware to manage the huge uplift in power. Every V8 Soft Top will get Eibach anti-roll bars, Bilstein dampers and Alcon brakes, for example. But let’s be honest here: those buying a Defender roadster aren’t likely to be pushing it very hard. This is all about the look and the feel, which is why there are a wealth of personalisation options – and a lot of effort put into the roof. 

The design is said to have been inspired by the North American Specification 90 drop tops, as well as that final 2016 car. It’s built for (almost) all conditions as well, with the ability to unzip the rear and side sections but keep a lid on for when full exposure to the elements isn’t ideal. There are extra lashing points for the roof if it’s going on the motorway, plus a ‘Bikini Hood’ for whatever kind of driving a Bikini Hood needs. We’re thinking beach. 

Four colours will be made available for the roof: Navy, Dark Khaki, Sand and Black. There are 49 exterior colours, or paint to sample if none of those suit. This Defender Soft Top is Sunset Gold and features the 18-inch wheels, with 16s also offered. Check out the interior as well, leaning right into the coastal cruiser vibe with Caraway and Perlino DuoTone leather. Eight such combinations are offered, or five in just a single colour, or whichever bespoke colour you’re after should that be necessary. Land Rover Classic will put a wine cooler in or a surfboard on, so interior upholstery to match the sofa of your seaside villa won’t be a problem. 

JLR Classic MD Dominic Elms said: “With the Classic Defender V8 Soft Top, we provide an even greater opportunity to turn Classic Defender V8 dreams into reality. At Land Rover Classic we work with clients to provide a one-to-one bespoke service, so they can enjoy their vehicle safe in the knowledge it has been designed and engineered exclusively for them, by the original manufacturer – the people who know it best.”

An attractive offer, no doubt, for those who love Defenders and who love standing out. An exact number to be made hasn’t been announced, though with prices starting from £234,000 it’s hard to imagine they’re being very many. You can see the Defender Soft Top in person at either Bicester Sunday Scramble this weekend, or the Royal Windsor Horse Trials in May. See you at the latter, yes?