Over the years, we've had some impressive luxury builds roll out of the ECD garage. With every build project being built to our client's exact specifications, there's no such thing as too bold or too luxurious. With clients having complete freedom, there are really no two ECD builds that are exactly the same, which makes things quite interesting around the ECD headquarters. While we take pride in every build project, there are some that just demand a bit more recognition. Here's a look at three of the top luxury builds in ECD history.

Project Phantom

One of the top luxury builds in ECD history has to be Project Phantom. This custom D110 is simply a showstopper, painted in stunning Metal Grey with black accents all around. Under the hood, you'll find a powerful LS3 engine that delivers an impressive 565 horsepower. However, the luxury of this build is most evident within the interior.

The client wanted to create a high-end type of feel resembling his Rolls-Royce. To replicate this feeling, the interior of Project Phantom was covered entirely in leather and carbon fiber finishes. This meant that the black leather was laid throughout the dash with orange stitching, and a custom orange leather glove box top was added for a pop of color. The orange leather glove box top is also tied in nicely with the Defender 110's flashy seats, which are wrapped in a Honeycomb Lamborghini Orange leather.

This build also features a custom-designed center console with a fridge that is extended through the middle to the rear cargo area. However, the feature that really makes Project Phantom unique is the starlight headliner that changes hues by the touch of a button and has you feeling like you're sitting outside beneath the stars. While Project Phantom is definitely catered to a specific taste, it illustrates the amount of customization and luxury that can be incorporated into any ECD build project.

Project Mule 

Another project that earns a spot among the top luxury builds in ECD history is Project Mule. This Defender 130 is an eye-catching Defender that features a pickup bed. Not necessarily as flashy as Project Phantom, Project Mule still manages to demand attention.

On the exterior, this Defender 130 is painted in full gloss Audi Suzuka Grey with black accents all around. The vehicle also features a full six-point roll cage, a winch on the rear bumper, two LED work lights on the back bumper and four on the front, and a truck bed lined with a protective wood finish.

Stepping into the interior, you'll find the luxury elements that truly set Project Mule apart from the pack. The client on this build wanted to incorporate multiple textures throughout the interior. Therefore, you'll find an assortment of leather, sheepskin, and cowhide integrated throughout the interior design of this D110.

Project Mr. O 

Last on our list, but certainly not least among the top luxury builds in ECD history, is Project Mr. O. This D90 is a 1988 model painted in gorgeous full gloss Night Mission Green with silver accents all around. Project Mr. O sits on 16-inch Wolf Silver Metal wheels with BFG all-terrain tires. Under the hood, Mr. O is powered by the GM LT1 eninge with an eight speed automatic transmission. This build also features a silver metal mesh front grille, LED lights all around, and convenient fold-down side steps.

Once again, the pure luxury of this vehicle can truly be observed in the interior of this build. This Defender 90 could be classified as a true "Gentleman's Defender" as the interior is a commanding blend of wood, leather, and Tartan material throughout. In addition, this build features a mosque green and brown Tweed headliner framed in leather, custom wood in the load area, a personalized "Mr. O" monogram on the captain chairs, and small Satchel-style bags stitched to the front doors cards which are finished in suede leather straps and Copenhagen leather.

In terms of seating configurations, this D90 features two captain chairs and two inward-facing bench seats located in the rear cargo area. The captain chairs feature two heated and ventilated Recaro Cross Sport seats and insert perforated leather with vintage fluted vertical lines. In total, Project Mr. O can seat a total of six comfortably.

Build Your Own Luxury Defender Today

At ECD, we're not the ones to skimp on luxury. From the classic to the bold, every ECD Vintage Defender build is stacked to the nines and completely customized to every client's exact specifications. If you're looking for some more inspiration for your own luxury Defender build, check out our showcase, or feel free to play around with our 3D Build Simulator to see the best of our customizable configurations. When you're ready to get started on your custom Defender, contact us to discuss the next steps in the build process!

Blog 2 - Keyword: Buying a Used Defender