Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke is a 410PS Defender tribute

So, what does your money get you? Well, you get a classic Defender that has been rebuilt, re-engineered and upgraded, starting with a body shell sourced from 2012 to 2016. 

The Works team has set up the Defender for excellent road holding and offroad ability. Eibach coil springs and anti-roll bars combine with Bilstein dampers, while stopping comes from four-piston Alcon brakes with 335mm front discs and 300mm rear. Of course, you also get Jaguar/Land Rover's tried-and-tested naturally aspirated V8 driving through an eight-speed ZF gearbox and all-wheel drive, which should translate, remarkably, into 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds and a (mercifully) limited 106mph.  

Everything you can see on the outside is bespoke. Colours include Sunset Gold or Sunrise Copper, old-faithfuls like Balmoral Green and Marine Blue, or modern shades like Corinthian Bronze and Firenze Red. Still, if you don't like those, Land Rover offers a 'match to sample' service that opens up pretty much whatever you want. To that you can also add a contrasting roof, like the Limestone on Islay Edition.

Beyond the paint, you'll have to weigh the pros and cons of the Heritage, Standard or Adventure grille, whether or not to get a bonnet script and be faced with the age-old question – to shine or not to shine? – with silver or black door handles. Finally, there are the wheels, either 18-inch Sawtooth alloys or more off-road-ready 16-inch Wolf wheels. 

As you'd expect, there's an options list as long as a potential new owner's drive covering kit like a roof rack, expedition cage, ladder, winch, roof lighting and side steps.

The interior is, says Land Rover, "recognisably Classic Defender," which is to say basic. Having said that, what you get – the seats, side trim, doors, roof lining, and dashboard – is covered in leather and finished in colours like Liberty Blue and Garnet. 'Premium' seating is available, or you can do the right thing and go for the optional Recaros, which could soon be as rare as the Land Rover they'll be sitting in. 

In short, options are not an issue with the Classic Defender V8 by Works Bespoke, so your best bet is to head to the model's own configurator, where you'll likely see us, too.