Land Rover Classic's Octa-style upgrade for Defender V8s

Land Rover Classic has launched an upgrade program that lets owners of older Defender V8s mirror the Octa’s look and trim. The signature Octa colors are now available — Petra Copper, Faroe Green, Sargasso Blue, Narvik Black, and Patagonia White — with a choice of gloss or matte finish.

The paint process alone takes around 300 hours, yet the makeover goes well beyond color. Buyers can add a gloss-black grille, carbon-fiber elements, and a broader cabin palette: Khaki Green, Light Cloud, and Lunar, paired with Burnt Sienna or Ebony leather. Hand-finished Recaro seats are available, as is bespoke interior tailoring. The spec comes across as cohesive and contemporary, keeping the Defender’s classic lines in focus rather than dressing them up.

If a customer doesn’t have a suitable off-roader, Land Rover can supply a restored 2012–2016 vehicle with a 5.0-liter V8 rated at 405 hp, upgraded suspension, and a ZF eight-speed automatic. Prices start from £190,000 before taxes, which is higher than a new Defender Octa. The program targets those who want deep, character-preserving tuning instead of a clean-sheet reinvention — a niche choice that favors craftsmanship over sheer numbers.