After firmly establishing itself as a leader in the Land Rover Defender restoration industry, ECD decided to take on a new challenge and introduced the Range Rover Classic to its restomod lineup in 2017. Over the past six years, the team at ECD has created a number of stunning RRC restomods, including the world's first all-electric Range Rover Classic. Prior to the build process, ECD clients get the opportunity to design their RRCs and choose between two primary styles: the SWB and the LWB. Here's a look at some of the key benefits associated with the SWB Range Rover Classic.

The History of the Range Rover Classic: SWB Vs. LWB 

The Land Rover legacy stems back to 1878, when the Rover Company was founded in Solihull, England. However, the company didn't start manufacturing its Land Rover lineup until 1948. The production began following World War II, and the initial Land Rovers were modeled after the Jeeps the British Army used during the war.

While the initial Land Rovers were marketed as utility vehicles and were primarily designed to tackle agricultural workloads, the Land Rover brand eventually morphed into a brand known for its luxury SUV lineup.

Of course, the Range Rover is one of the luxury SUVs in the Land Rover lineup. The original Range Rover Classic was continually produced from 1969 to 1996. During the first 12 years of production, consumers only saw a 2-door rendition of the RRC. It wasn't until 1981 that the very first 4-door RRC rolled off the production line. In addition, the initial RRCs all sported a short wheelbase, or SWB, of 100 inches. It wasn't until 1992 that the more luxurious RRC LWB, or long wheelbase, of 108 inches, was released.

SWB Range Rover Classic Benefits 

While the Range Rover Classic with the long wheelbase is generally considered more luxurious with its better suspension and extra cargo space, the SWB Range Rover Classic does bring its own set of benefits to the table. Some of the top benefits of the SWB Range Rover Classic include:

• Its shorter wheelbase allows for increased maneuverability compared to the LWB RRC.
• The increased maneuverability of the SWB Range Rover Classic makes it better suited for tackling rugged terrain and offroading adventures.
• Despite being a little less roomy than the LWB RRC, the SWB Range Rover Classic still provides a ton of space, making it the perfect SUV for long road trips with friends or hauling the family around.
• A little over 325,000 Range Rover Classics were produced between 1969 and 1996. However, with the LWB not even coming into production until the early 1990s, there are simply a lot more SWB Range Rover Classics available to source and restore.

Take a Look at These SWB Range Rover Classic Restoration Projects 

If you've been on the fence about starting an SWB Range Rover Classic restoration project, you might need a little inspiration to finally take your foot off the brake and start that build with ECD. Here's a look at some of the best SWB Range Rover Classic build projects that have rolled out of the ECD headquarters over the last few years.

Project Red Rover 

The second-ever custom-built SWB Range Rover Classic at ECD, Project Red Rover is a stunning RRC finished in full gloss Carmen Red Pearl. A powerhouse in its own right, this SWB Range Rover Classic sports an impressive 6.2L LS3 V8 engine that produces 430 hp. In addition, Project Red Rover features a 6-speed automatic transmission with a High/Low range for optimal off-road use.

While this RRC features a short wheelbase, it's not short on luxuries. The interior of this SWB Range Rover Classic features hard front and middle-row seats that are reupholstered with premium tan leather and stitched together in Royal Red thread. Project Red Rover also features an OEM dash with wood accents, front and rear AC, and a wireless charging station.

Project Vero 

A unique 1995 Range Rover Classic from the TWR Edition, Project Vero is another stunning SWB Range Rover Classic restomod from ECD. The special TWR Edition is short for Tom Walkinshaw Racing. Land Rover released this special edition RRC to provide a sportier RRC option with uniquely designed front and rear bumpers, side sills, and alloy wheels. This SWB Range Rover Classic is a head turner, finished in Audi's pastel Nardo Gray paint with a gloss-black roof.

Under the hood, Project Vero sports an L92 V8 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. In the interior, this SWB Range Rover Classic features a black aesthetic with seats finished in black leather with a gorgeous contrasting diamond stitch pattern with gray thread. Regarding tech features, this special edition RRC features a WiFi setup, a Sony infotainment system, and a JL Audio amplified sound system with a JBL subwoofer.

Start Your SWB Range Rover Classic Restoration Build Today 

Whether you're looking to start an SWB Range Rover Classic restoration or a different vintage Land Rover restomod build project, the team at ECD is well equipped to bring your dreams to reality.

Once you're ready to start your vintage restoration project, contact us to learn more about the ECD design and build process. You can also check out our 3D Build Simulator and our extensive restoration portfolio to gain some design inspiration and discover the customizable configurations available during an ECD build project.