If you’ve recently become the owner of a classic Defender vehicle, you may find yourself asking what you can do next to ensure the vehicle lives up to its heritage as a go-anywhere vehicle. While the original Defender was as sturdy as it could be, not without its lack of problems, of course, for its time, it wouldn’t last a day for every day driving uses in more modern times. With that being said, if you’re on the fence about whether or not you should have your classic Defender upgraded, here are a few reasons why it should definitely be considered.

Performance

The original Defender featured a 3.8L Rover V8 with something around 160 HP, and you wouldn’t even think about going 0-60. This was a utility vehicle used to haul equipment and individuals over tough terrain, and in its more modern reemergence during the 90s, it was a rugged take on the family SUV. That being said, the 25-year old Defender isn’t going to have any form of get-up and go to handle modern roadways, interstates, or much more than your average every once in a while ride across the farm or through the neighborhood. Professional restoration shops like E.C.D. now offer more modern drivetrain options for your Defender that can not only upgrade your engine but other performance factors such as the brakes, suspension, and axles to make your classic Defender a true daily driver. Plus, adding on another 25 years to an already 25-year old classic is the cherry on top.

Customization

If you see yourself more as a collector, upgrading your Defender is a great way of overhauling the classic to your every specification and design. You have the opportunity to choose from different paint finishes, an unlimited range of interior materials for your seats, and the ability to fully customize your Defender from the ground up. This not only makes you the owner of an original classic but the owner of one that has been completely customized to your fit your lifestyle. The Defender is still extremely rare, so adding a customized Defender to your driveway is sure to turn heads and garner inquiries from anyone passing by or visiting.

Lifestyle

If you love the nostalgia of the Defender and purchased it to relive those moments of outdoor, go-anywhere freedom, upgrading your Defender means having it built to fit your lifestyle needs. From Sand Cruisers to Ranch Vehicles, we’ve built over 200 custom land Rover Defenders that have a significant purpose in their new owner’s lifestyle. Taking your large family across the beach in a convertible 110 that seats 10, tackling mountain ranges for a weekend of hiking, wanting a different experience of luxury when riding through the city, we’ve pretty much seen it all. Ultimately, the Land Rover Defender is a true lifestyle vehicle, one that comes in several body styles and customizations that make it the perfect option when selecting a vehicle that is simply like no other.

Keeping a Classic on the Road

Our final point of why you should upgrade your classic Defender is a very simple one that speaks to who we are as a restoration company. As Defender enthusiasts ourselves, we love to see these vehicles driving on the road; it’s genuinely like a random surprise that pops up and gifts you with a smile of recognition. In our heart of hearts, we love to see the 25-year old classic Defender being used to run errands, driven around town, and used like any other vehicle. We’d rather keep the nostalgia running than see these vehicles rusting away in a garage or a lot, untouched. Having them running keeps the heritage of the Defender alive and well, for other generations to learn about and love, just as we have.

Ready to start your journey to a customized and upgraded classic Defender? Get in touch at info@ecdautodesign.com.