Building custom Land Rover Defenders, we see quite the variety of build styles come through the Rover Dome. For the Defender enthusiasts turned clients, opting for a more classic style of the vehicle is the Defender they dream of having as a daily driver. With dozens of Classic Defender builds under our belts, here are some of our favorite accessories for your Classic Defender build.

Steel Wheels

A true staple of the Classic Defender look is choosing steel wheels for your custom build. “Steelies,” as they’re affectionately known, are extremely popular among enthusiasts and are most popular in white, although other colors such as black or matching with body-color are also popular options. There is a range of different Steelies types, from the traditional 8-spoke style to the more modern Wolf Steel Wheels.

ARB Brush Guard Bumper

When it comes to bumpers, there is a range you could go with to ensure your Defender will take on the Classic look, although if you want it to really bring the nostalgia, we recommend going with a brush guard style bumper. The ARB bumpers add a rugged look and purpose to the build that make it ready to take on any heavy terrain such as fields, forests, or brush. If the build doesn’t include an original brush guard bumper, we typically go with the ARB brand for the ideal Classic Defender range of heavy-duty bumpers. And don’t forget the winch (our go-to is Warn).

Steering Wheels

The brand Momo makes a range of Heritage Style steering wheels that include both a classic wood style or a thinner leatherette finished version. These wheels have old school spokes and may or may not include a built-in horn. With E.C.D. having upholstery done in-house, though, we can reupholster any style of Classic Defender steering wheel.

Hella Spotlights

Hella Spotlights serve multiple purposes. They can take on heavy fog, dimly lit outdoor areas, or long summer drives down back roads without road lights. The lights’ style also adds the Classic Defender look to a build thanks to their large round size and roof or bumper placement. The classic looking lights come in various colors and styles that all lend to the old school essence of the utility vehicle.

Roof Rack and Roll Cage

There’s a range of roof rack, roll cage, and ladder combo accessories that can make any Classic Defender look complete. While we have a few go-to brands in our vendor list, the style can be pretty much any of the options. A more classic look would be a roof rack with a basket or a more simple style. You could also opt for a 4 point roll cage vs. a full roll cage. Our list of brands would be Front Runner, Safety Devices, or Smitty Bilt.

Jump Seats

Not so much an accessory as a layout feature, but having jump seats or even bench seating in your Defender can make it a truly fun build to ride in. Although “fun” wasn’t necessarily the original purpose of the Defender, something about the ways individuals describe their first Defender experience in the mid-80s always makes the adventure sound fun. Since modern vehicles don’t have the bench or jump seating, riding in the classic seating makes for a truly unique experience.

Grille

A classic mesh grille is an excellent option for your Classic Defender, or you can opt for a more simplistic Land Rover Style grille. Black or body color will ensure it makes your dream build have that Classic Defender look. Excited to see which range of accessories will complete your dream Classic Defender build? Get in touch at [email protected].