When USA Defender builder, ECD, builds your custom Defender from the ground up, the most significant aspect is being able to fully customize your build down to the color ofthe stitch. If you've seen our Showcase, you might have been inspired by a build or two throughout our history. You also may have noticed that every build’s style may lean a little towards the classic or the modern style of Defender. While every style of build has its perks for value and cool factors, you may be wondering whether one or the other fits you. Here are some tips on how you can tell whether a modern or Original style of Defender fits you.

The first step in picking a style is deciding which model or wheelbase you want for your restored custom Defender. You can have a classic Defender 90, restored restomod Defender 110, or an ultra-rare D130. This is often the hardest decision for some and making that decision reflects on your lifestyle and what you plan on using your custom Defender for. Is it a daily driver for the family or a fun summer beach cruiser? Once you decide on a model, the fun part of designing begins.

Original Defender

An Original style Defender rebuild often features classic Land Rover Defender colors, such as the popular Arles Blue, British Racing green, and Keswick green colors. This style also features a white roof with either white steel wheels or steel wheels painted in the builds body color. The classic Defender look is certainly iconic, and die-hard fans drool overseeing steel wheels, 5-speed transmission, and classic seat style. With an original Defender style, you’ll also be able to play up the external accessories. A roll cage with a basket, big Hella spot lamps, a fully geared front bumper with brush guards, and a rear step ladder can make your build look all like the utility or safari Defender it was initially designed for.

Not only are the accessories functional benefits, have beefed up wheels and add-ons for your Defender can ensure it is fully prepared to take on any rugged lifestyle meant for traveling the great outdoors. Also, consider making your custom Defender a soft-top for that added classic look and an awesome build for road trips through the summer.

Modern Defender

Modern Defenders are rebuilds with more added modern conveniences and luxuries. The automatic transmission, streamlined colors, and shiny new takes on accessory designs are also popular for those who love seeing the classic Defender brought into the 21st century. Some popular modern Defender colors are Santorini black, Bonatti grey, or Zermatt Silver, usually in a gloss finish. Contemporary wheel styles include Sawtooth or Khan, also in a glossy black finish. While modern Defenders take on a more slim and clean look, accessory upgrades such as a panoramic roof, Masai panoramic rear glass, and a stylish bumper with daytime running lights can truly add a futuristic look to an otherwise beast of a nostalgic vehicle.

Fit for suburban city drives and head turns in the parking lot of your favorite grocery stores; the modern Defender is sure to get a double-take wherever it goes. Plus, if you have other modern vehicles in your collection, such as an Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, or a Lamborghini, you can design your custom Land Rover Defender to match.

Whichever style you choose for your restored custom Defender, it will undoubtedly be badass and get you a few inquiries. The British classic is still rare and is not something anyone else around you is likely to have. Being a custom one-of-one vehicle with a unique history just adds to the Land Rover Defender’s cool factor.

Ready to test drive a custom Defender to find which style fits you? Email us at [email protected] to get started!