Land Rover will spruce up a 13-year-old Defender for you from $260k

Land Rover Classic has launched a new vehicle restoration program targeting the Defender 90 from the production series of 2012–2016. The result is more of a fashion statement than off-road vehicle, and it has a price tag to match the looks.

The V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top is available in four top colors – dark blue, dark khaki, sand, and black. The canopy is quite modern and practical. For one thing, you can fold up the sides and the back flap while leaving the top part on for some wind in the cabin, but not sun. Additional fastening points on the body should keep the canvas roof firm at highway accelerations.

The latter is more than just a marketing point, too. The restomod comes equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 rated at 411 PS (405 hp / 302 kW) and 515 Nm (380 lb-ft) of torque. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case to drive all four wheels, so should be viable away from well-paved roads. A sprint time of 5.6 seconds to 100 km/h (62 mph) and a top speed of 171 km/h (106 mph) should translate into plenty of sporty dynamics and handling.

Land Rover Classic also overhauls the suspension and the brakes to ensure a modern driving feel. It offers 13 leather trim options for the interior, including five simple colors and eight bi-color options. As a luxury offering, the V8 Works Bespoke Soft Top can be ordered with a surfboard rack on top or a wine cooler in the cabin, among other things.

As one would expect, it’s anything but cheap. Prices start from £195,000 before taxes, which converts into U.S. $260,000 or so at the current rates.