The roof is one of the first decisions in any custom Defender build, and it changes the character of the vehicle more than most people expect. A Defender 90 soft top is a completely different experience from a fixed-roof Defender 110 Station Wagon, even though the engineering underneath is the same.
At Shoreline we offer every roof configuration across our Defender 90 and Defender 110 builds. Here is what each option involves, how a soft top and a hard top compare, and who each one suits.
The short answer
A Land Rover Defender soft top is lighter, opens up for open-air driving and suits coastal and weekend use. A hard top is quieter, more secure and better insulated, and it carries roof racks and tents. A removable hard top sits in between. All of our soft tops are insulated and weatherproofed, so neither choice limits you to one season.
The Defender soft top
The soft top is one of the most recognizable Defender silhouettes and the roof most closely associated with our Beach edition. The canvas folds back fully or partially, giving you open-air driving when the weather allows and a sealed cabin when it does not.
We use canvas, mohair, sailcloth and marine-grade vinyl depending on the build, and the soft top can be finished in a range of colors to match or contrast the body. On a Defender 90, every soft top is paired with a heavy-duty internal roll cage integrated into the design.
Defender 90 soft top. Our most popular configuration. Light, open and at its best on the coast or at the weekend.
Defender 110 soft top. Less common, but it works well on Double Cab builds, where the rear bed benefits from a removable cover.
The soft top is also the lightest roof option, which matters if you care about how the vehicle drives. It pairs naturally with heritage styling and retro color palettes, and it is insulated and weatherproofed for year-round use.
The Defender hard top
A hard top gives you a quieter, more sealed and more secure cabin. It comes in two forms.
Fixed roof
The most practical and quietest option. If you are building a Defender for daily driving, long-distance travel or family use, this is usually the right call. A fixed roof gives the best sound insulation, the strongest weatherproofing and the most structural rigidity, and it supports roof racks, rooftop tents, awnings and other load-bearing accessories. With a solid roof we can also fit an Alcantara headliner and additional soundproofing.
It is the standard roof on our Heritage, Villain and Modern editions unless the client specifies otherwise, and it can be finished in body color, matte black or an accent tone.
Removable hard top
A removable hard top gives you the security and structure of a solid roof with the option to take it off. We build these in full-length and two-piece configurations. A two-piece hard top lets you remove the rear section while keeping the front roof in place, a practical middle ground if you want flexibility without committing fully to a soft top. It works on both Defender 90 and Defender 110 builds.
Soft top vs hard top at a glance
Noise and comfort. The hard top is quieter at highway speeds and holds climate control more effectively. The soft top is insulated but will always be a little louder.
Open-air driving. Only the soft top and removable hard top give you the open-air experience.
Security and load. A fixed hard top is more secure and is the only option for roof racks, rooftop tents and heavy accessories.
Weight and feel. The soft top is the lightest roof and gives the vehicle a more stripped-back, classic feel.
Best for. Soft top: coastal, weekend and warmer-climate driving. Hard top: daily driving, colder climates, overland and family use.
Heritage roof styles
Many clients building a classic Defender restoration want the roof to reflect the character of the original vehicle. We offer ribbed aluminum-style roofs, heritage-style raised roofs with safari window inlays and reinforced security glass, and heritage palette finishes including Keswick Green, Arles Blue and Bahama Gold. On a restomod with heritage styling, the roof is one of the most visible design decisions, and it sets the tone for the whole vehicle.
Canvas roof conversions
If you already have a hard top Defender and want a soft top, we offer full canvas roof conversions. The existing hard top is removed, a reinforced support frame is installed, and the canvas is fitted with period-correct fasteners and hardware. It is a popular choice on older Defender 90 and 110 builds, and one of the most cost-effective ways to change the character of a classic Defender.
Accessories for any roof
Whatever roof you choose, we can add integrated LED light mounts, roll cages, safari bars, roof ladders, load-bearing roof racks and accessory mounting points. Every addition is functional and designed to fit the look of the build. If you are building a 90, our custom Defender 90 guide covers how the roof choice fits with the rest of the spec.
Frequently asked questions
Neither is better overall. A soft top suits open-air, coastal and weekend driving. A hard top is quieter, more secure and better for daily use, colder climates and roof-mounted gear.
Yes. We offer full soft top conversions for most Defender 90 and Defender 110 models, with a reinforced support frame and period-correct hardware.
Canvas, mohair, sailcloth and marine-grade vinyl. The choice depends on the build, the climate and the look you want.
Yes. Our soft tops are insulated and weatherproofed for four-season use.
Soft tops fold back or come off completely, and we build removable hard tops in full-length and two-piece configurations. A fixed roof is permanent.
Yes. We finish roofs in body color, matte black or an accent tone depending on the spec.
All of them. Defender 90, Defender 110 and Defender 130 builds can be configured with any roof option.
Not sure which roof to choose?
Tell us how and where you plan to drive. We will walk you through the roof options as part of your build.
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