If you've just won the Euromillions and you're struggling to work out how to spend that last couple of million, can we suggest the following? Buy the amazing 635hp Land Rover Defender Octa, and then get a matching Classic Defender to go with it.
Hang on, you can still buy a Classic Defender?
Yes, you can. The original Land Rover Defender may have gone out of production in 2016, but Land Rover Classic will still build you a fully-restored and upgraded Classic Defender, with a 405hp version of the old supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine. It's basically a new car that looks old.
What's the connection to the Defender Octa?
Well, as you know, the Octa is the ultra-high performance version of the current Defender, using a twin-turbo V8 engine with 650hp, and tweaked suspension for the ultimate in both on-road and off-road handling.
The connection between the two cars - name aside - is that you can now specify your Classic Defender with some of the same paint and trim as the new Octa. You know, just in case you fancy a matching pair…
What are the paint options?
The new Octa-exclusive colours are Petra Copper, Faroe Green and Sargasso Blue, plus Narvik Black from the tough luxury 4x4 rock star Octa Black, and Patagonia White. Borasco Grey, Carpathian Grey and Charente Grey were already offered on the Classic Defender V8.
This is no spray-it-with-a-rattle-can job, either. Each Classic Defender spends around 300 hours in Land Rover's paint shop, starting with a meticulous preparation period, followed by the painting and polishing. You can have the paints in a classic gloss finish, or with a specially developed satin finish to match the sheen of the Defender Octa's optional Matte Protective Film.
What other Octa options are available?
There are now some new interior fabric trim options for the Classic Defender, which, as with the paint, are designed to match those of the Defender Octa. There's a new lightweight upholstery by Ultrafabrics, finished in Khaki Green, Light Cloud and Lunar, alongside Burnt Sienna semi-aniline leather. To match the Defender Octa Black, Ebony leather is available too. Clients can also choose hand-trimmed heated Recaro sports seats, and work with Land Rover Classic's design team to faithfully replicate the colour placement on the steering wheel, transmission levers, dashboard, headlining and door trims.
Do you have to buy a new Defender Octa as well?
Nope. If you don't fancy the new Octa, you can still commission a Classic Defender in the new Octa finishes, and there are more options, such as a black-finished grille and the Defender badging made out of carbon fibre. Each Classic Defender is based on a donor vehicle from the 2012-2016 model years. All Classic Defender V8s have an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with Sport mode, ensuring epic performance and smooth responses. The driving experience is further enhanced by the specially developed suspension system with custom springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, along with a revised steering system and uprated brakes with 335mm and 300mm discs front and rear and four-piston calipers. You can choose between long wheelbase 110, short wheelbase 90, or 90 convertible body styles.
Options include infotainment upgrades, a crystal lighting pack and a choice of five wheel styles in 11 different finishes, including 16-inch and 18-inch versions, as well as adventure-ready accessories and unique personalisation.
Dominic Elms, Director, Land Rover Classic, said: "Defender Octa is the most dynamically accomplished and toughest Defender ever made, while the Classic Defender V8 remains hugely characterful and sought after. Ever since Defender Octa's launch in 2024 we've seen an appetite from our clients wanting to commission a matching Classic Defender V8, which has inspired our Works Bespoke team to work with innovative paint and material technologies to create the ultimate Defender pairing.”
How much does a Classic Defender cost?
The UK price is £190,000, but you'll have to add Irish VAT and VRT to that, so you're looking at the thick end of €400,000 to land one here. And there's a bit of a wait of 12-18 months to have one built for you.