Old school Land Rover Defender V8 returns to Australia with $300,000 price tag
The Land Rover Defender Classic V8 can now be bought in Australia, with the brand opening up its commission line to local buyers.
Land Rover is leaning on the heritage of its old Defender to try and drive higher-end sales in Australia, announcing the return of the classic boxy 4x4 to local roads.
Launched by the UK-based Land Rover Classic heritage division last year, the Defender Classic V8 is now available to be commissioned in Australia, joining the new monocoque Defender as the second member of its local family.
Offered in 90 Station Wagon, 90 Soft Top, and 110 Station Wagon configurations, the Defender Classic can be configured online by potential buyers before linking up with Land Rover’s specialist British and German customisation teams.
However, those who are happy for Land Rover to sort out the specs can order a ready-made Defender 90 V8 Soft Top inspired by the NAS (North American Specification) 90 from the 1990s, and finished in Sunset Gold.
Each donor vehicle is based on the final batches of the Land Rover Defender, which were built between 2012 and 2016, though they’ve been given a big birthday before heading to customers.
Under the bonnet is a 5.0-litre V8 engine, producing 298kW and 515Nm, mated to a modern eight-speed ZF torque-converter automatic transmission – the same powertrain as what was found in the Defender Works V8 70th Anniversary Edition from 2018.
A two-speed transfer case, heavy-duty front and rear differentials, torque-biasing centre differential also feature.
To help keep that power under control, the live beam axle suspension has been enhanced with coil springs all round, Bilstein dampers and Eibach anti-roll bars, all of which are claimed to meet OEM standards.
A set of four-piston Alcon brake calipers are found at the front and rear, gripping rotors measuring 335mm and 300mm in diameter respectively.
Buyers of the Defender Soft Top can choose between four canvas roof colours (Black, Sand, Dark Khaki and Navy), each inspired by the last classic Defender which ended production in 2016, with correct tie-downs and webbing, as well as zippable side and rear sections.
Buyers can also opt for a smaller ‘bikini hood’ which only covers the front seats, and is available in the four same colours.
A total of 49 individual paint finishes are available, but if there isn’t a shade which takes your fancy, Land Rover Classic also offers a Works Bespoke match-to-sample colour service.
While 16-inch ‘Wolf’ wheels are standard, a set of 18-inch ‘Sawtooth’ alloys are also available.
Inside, the cabin can be specced in five monotone or eight two-tone leather upholstery options.
Land Rover says there’s a number of ‘unusual’ options and accessories available, including an onboard wine cooler and a custom surfboard rack.
Prices for the Land Rover Defender Classic V8 start from £209,000 plus on-road costs and delivery charges, meaning a $300,000 starting figure gets you the car before it lands in Australia.
For context, the new Defender OCTA is priced from $305,200 in Australia, though you can option your Defender Classic to match the new SUV.
