Land Rover Defender Classic: A Legend Revived, at a Collectors Price
Land Rover Defender Classic returns 10 years after production ceased
Land Rover has once again surprised the automotive community by bringing back a restored version of the classic Defender. Almost a decade after the iconic original model ceased production (produced for 67 years, until 2016), the Land Rover Classic division offers enthusiasts the chance to own a piece of history, combined with modern luxury and performance.
This initiative is not a simple reconditioning. Land Rover Classic takes examples produced between 2012 and 2016 and subjects them to a complex process of restoration and modernization, transforming them into vehicles that rival the latest luxury models, including the powerful new Defender OCTA.
A Classic Evolution: The Luxury and Performance Package
The Defender Classic model will be available in 90 (short) and 110 (long) body styles, with a metal roof or soft-top. Although the silhouette remains faithful to the utilitarian design that conquered the world, radical changes are hidden under the body and in the cabin:
Powerful V8 Engine: The heart of the modern classic is a 5.0-liter V8 engine that develops no less than 405 horsepower, coupled to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive.
Enhanced Exterior Design: Taking inspiration from the new Defender OCTA, the Classic variant can be painted in vibrant new colours, including Petra Copper, Faroe Green, Sargasso Blue and Narvik Black. The paint application (gloss or satin) requires approximately 300 hours of meticulous work.
Interior Luxury: The cabin has been transformed with high-quality materials, including Ultrafabrics textiles, semi-aniline leather upholstery or black leather taken from the Defender OCTA. Optionally, Recaro sports seats and a modern 13.1-inch central screen can be added, also from the OCTA model.
Optimized Mechanicals: Although the chassis remains the original, the suspension and brakes have been upgraded to handle the increased power and improve the driving experience.
The Price of Exclusivity: How much would the Defender Classic cost in Romania?
The biggest surprise comes with the price. The Defender Classic is not an affordable alternative, but a true collector's item, with a value that surpasses the new performance model. The announced starting price for the UK is £190,000, significantly more than the starting price of the new Defender OCTA (£148,045).
To estimate a price on the Romanian market, we can consider the following elements:
Currency Conversion: 190,000 GBP (Pound Sterling) was equivalent, at an approximate rate of 5.75 RON/GBP, to approximately 1,092,500 RON (approximately 225,000 Euros).
Taxes and VAT: 19% VAT and other specific taxes are added to this amount.
Defender OCTA price in Romania: A quick search on the local market shows that the price for a Defender OCTA in Romania can reach around 203,300 Euros (VAT included) for the 110 P635 AWD variant (which is more powerful than the V8 Classic variant).
Land Rover Defender Classic Price Estimate (Romanian Market):
If we take the British price as a reference and assume that the price difference with the OCTA is maintained, a Land Rover
Defender Classic could have a starting price exceeding 240,000 - 250,000 Euros (VAT included).
| Model | Starting Price UK (British Pounds) | Estimated Price Romania (Euros, VAT Included) |
| Defender Classic V8 (405 HP) | £190,000 | ~€240,000 - €250,000 |
| Defender OCTA (P635 AWD) | £148,045 | ~€203,300 |
This astronomical price places the Defender Classic not only in the luxury car category, but also in the collector's car category, addressing an extremely niche audience that values ??the historical legacy of the original model, but who at the same time wants the comfort and performance of a new car.
Conclusion: More than an SUV
By bringing the classic Defender back to market, Land Rover Classic is not just selling a restored vehicle, but an experience, a symbol of British adventure. It is a tribute to longevity and raw simplicity, wrapped in contemporary technology and luxury. In Romania, as in other markets, this model will undoubtedly be an extremely desirable rarity, justifying its exorbitant price through its exclusivity, history and meticulous quality of restoration.