Color-Shifting Land Rover Defender Looks Like The Joker's New SUV

However, the finish has never become widely popular, possibly because of the extra cost of ordering this special appearance, or because customers just don't want to draw much attention on the road.

Apparently, there's a Land Rover enthusiast who appreciates the look of color-shifting paint, as this single person now owns four custom Classic Defender V8 models – each in a different body style – featuring this eye-catching effect. These builds are from Land Rover Classic, the automaker's in-house specialist for restoring and customizing the old-school Defender. There are still plenty of wealthy customers who appreciate this vintage SUV and are willing to pay big money for a custom version, or in the case, four custom versions.

The Defender In Spectral Green

Land Rover Classic is highlighting the builds to show the customization options that clients can apply to their vehicles. One of these creations is among the first examples of the Defender 110 Double Cab Pick Up from Land Rover Classic. The others are a 90 Station Wagon, 90 Soft Top, and 110 Station Wagon.

All four of these Classic Defender V8 builds wear special paint that Land Rover calls Spectral Green. It can shift between an emerald hue and a deep violet color, with subtle gold highlights, depending on how someone views the SUV. All the builds ride on 18-inch wheels with diamond‑turned-finished rims and Spectral Green spokes.

Luxurious Interior Not Befitting A Gritty Off-Roader

Inside, these Defenders are not ready to get dirty. The cabin extensively features semi‑aniline Bridge of Weir Vanilla leather with green stitching, which is far too nice to get covered in mud and muck while off-roading. The trim panel on the center stack is Spectral Green to bring the exterior finish into the cabin. These vehicles also feature Land Rover Classic's newly available 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.

With this look, there's no way to avoid seeing these rigs on the road. In addition, the vehicles have an Icy White roof, exterior-mounted roll cage, and hand-painted pinstripes. According to Land Rover Classic, each of these builds required 400 hours to paint – which might explain why the starting price is eye-watering.

Powertrain And Price

Land Rover Classic's Defender V8 builds use an original 2012‑2016 Defender as a starting point for the customer's personalization. They receive a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 that makes 400 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The engine hooks up to an eight-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case means these rigs can still be capable off-roaders. The setup also includes Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks for the suspension, as well as four-piston Alcon brake calipers.

Prices for a Land Rover Classic's Classic V8 start at £228,000 ($300,150 at current exchange rates), and the company builds each one as an individual commission. The level of customization can take the cost of a build even higher. The special paint and high-end leather surely added considerably to the cost of these four creations.