Skip advert
Advertisement

Four new Land Rover Defender Classic V8s with wild colour-changing paint go to one customer

You’re not likely to see these special Land Rover Defenders doing work around the farm anytime soon

The old Land Rover Defender came in plenty of different bodystyles and while it could be difficult to choose between them, that’s not an issue for one special client of Land Rover’s in-house customisation service, Land Rover Classic. 

One person has commissioned no fewer than four Defender V8s. The owner’s new ‘family’ comprises a 90 Station Wagon, 90 Soft Top, 110 Station Wagon, and the newly introduced 110 Double Cab Pick-Up so all the bases really are covered.

While we don’t know who the client is, we can only assume they’re fans of the Joker or maybe the Incredible Hulk because all four come in a distinctive green and purple colourway. The paint is actually a colour-changing mix so from certain angles there are hints of gold, too. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The paint finish, called ‘Spectral Green’, is also found on all of the Defenders’ 18-inch ‘Sawtooth’ diamond-cut wheels, along with the exterior badging and the central panel for the dashboard inside. Land Rover Classic says each of the four vehicles spent almost 400 hours receiving the colour change.

All four also get a contrasting white roof, a white ‘expedition cage’ and ‘Defender’ script on the bonnet, plus hand-painted pinstripes down the side. The interior features leather from Bridge of Weir in Scotland in shades of beige and brown with contrasting green stitching. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

As with every Classic Defender V8 the four commissioned Defenders are based on an original model built from 2012 to 2016 - the last period of classic Defender production. Each one comes with a five-litre V8 putting out 399bhp and 515Nm of torque, at least enough for a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds in the 110 model. 

Dominic Elms, Director, Land Rover Classic, said of the new cars: “This spectacular Works Bespoke commission demonstrates the breadth of Land Rover Classic’s customisation capabilities – the result of a collaborative creative process that engages our clients with our in-house design, engineering and craftspeople to bring their vision to life.”  

The price for the four bespoke Defenders hasn’t been revealed, but with the Classic Defender 110 we tested last year costing over £250,000, it’s possible the four-strong commission could’ve nudged the million-pound mark. 

Along with these eye-catching Defenders and the introduction of a double-cab and 90 hard-top to its customisation programme, Land Rover Classic has also developed a new nine-inch touchscreen for its icon - bringing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also now an option for customers to add a DAB radio, graphic equaliser and reversing camera, too. 

Looking for a current-generation Defender? We have a selection of 90, 110 and 130 bodystyles for you to choose from on the Auto Express Buy A Car service with prices kicking off from £30,000. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Alastair Crooks, Staff writer Auto Express
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Land Rover Defender Sport: baby SUV hedges bets with EV and hybrid power
New baby Land Rover Defender render - watermarked

New Land Rover Defender Sport: baby SUV hedges bets with EV and hybrid power

The new Land Rover Defender Sport will sit below the existing Defender in both size and price, and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
17 Jun 2026
Best 7-seater cars to buy 2026
Best 7-seater cars - June 2026 update, header image

Best 7-seater cars to buy 2026

We pick the best seven-seater cars for family life across a wide range of price points
Best cars & vans
1 Jun 2026
New Land Rover Defender updates suggest 'if it ain't broke...' approach
2027 Land Rover (camouflaged) - front

New Land Rover Defender updates suggest 'if it ain't broke...' approach

Land Rover isn’t fixing what isn’t broken with its hugely popular Defender
News
11 May 2026
Best luxury SUVs 2026
Best luxury SUVs - header image

Best luxury SUVs 2026

Luxury SUVs combine the sophistication of a luxury car with the sheer practicality of an SUV. Here’s our pick of the current crop
Best cars & vans
7 Apr 2026

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is a 7-seater steal at £295 per month
Hyundai Santa Fe - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV is a 7-seater steal at £295 per month

The Santa Fe PHEV is an unmistakable presence with great practicality and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal Deal of the Day for 21 June.
News
21 Jun 2026
New Renault Megane facelift: 310-mile range, sportier looks and MagSafe
Tom Jervis with the facelifted Renault Megane

New Renault Megane facelift: 310-mile range, sportier looks and MagSafe

Mid-life update for Renault’s electric family hatch brings a bigger LFP battery and refreshed styling
News
22 Jun 2026
New Volvo XC70 2026 review: classy PHEV dazzles with its range
Volvo XC70 - front

New Volvo XC70 2026 review: classy PHEV dazzles with its range

The new Volvo XC70 is China-only at the moment, but there are plans to bring it to Europe
Road tests
22 Jun 2026

Find a car with the experts