Land Rover Devotes 300 Hours to Custom Paint on Classic Defender V-8

From time to time, Land Rover revisits the legacy of the original Defender by offering fully refurbished models via its Classic division. Although the production of the iconic British 4x4 ceased over ten years ago, enthusiasts can purchase a meticulously restored vehicle from the 2012-2016 era, featuring a robust 400-horsepower V-8 engine.

One of the standout features is the ability to customize the Classic Defender’s paint to match the bold hues of Land Rover’s current premium Defender, the Octa. Each repainting requires approximately 300 hours in the paint booth to achieve finishes like Petra Copper, Faroe Green, Sargasso Blue, or Narvik Black. Additionally, traditional colors such as Carpathian Grey and Charente Grey remain available, all offered in both glossy and satin options for those who prefer a matte effect.

Enhancements extend to the grille, which is coated in glossy black to mirror the Octa’s styling, while the hood sports the model’s name crafted from chopped carbon fiber. Customers can choose from five different wheel designs, available in 16 and 18-inch sizes and 11 distinct finishes.

The connection to the modern Defender continues inside the cabin, where buyers can select identical fabric and leather upholstery options. Color choices include Khaki Green, Light Cloud, Lunar, Burnt Sienna, and Ebony, which can be applied not only to the seats but also across the headliner, door panels, dashboard, gear selectors, and steering wheel.

According to Land Rover, the decision to replicate the Octa’s customization options on the Classic Defender originated from customer demand. Some owners have been ordering matching pairs of the contemporary and classic models. While the new Defender starts at £148,045 in the UK before additional features, the Classic edition commands a premium price of around £190,000.

The Classic Defender’s V-8 engine differs from the Octa’s BMW-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter powerplant. Instead, it is powered by Land Rover’s own naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8, producing 400 horsepower and 515 Nm (380 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted through an eight-speed automatic gearbox supplied by ZF, the same transmission used in the Octa.

In terms of performance upgrades, the Classic Defender benefits from enhanced braking, refined steering, and an updated suspension system. For those seeking a new vehicle that embodies the spirit of the original Defender, the Ineos Grenadier offers an alternative, which, interestingly, also utilizes BMW engines like the Octa.