Key Takeaways:

• Both the Defender 90 and FJ40 are no-frills, rugged cars, capable of handling any terrain. The specific features and costs may help you decide which is best for you.
• The Defender 90 is more compact, offering less cabin space if you’re focusing on practicality. Meanwhile, the Toyota FJ40 is less about refinement, which may not align with everyone’s stylistic preferences.
• Defender 90 custom builds start at $259,999, and FJ40 builds start at $239,995.

Few classic off-roaders spark as much debate as the Land Rover Defender 90 and the Toyota FJ40. Both emerged in the 20th century as rugged, short-wheelbase machines designed to conquer the toughest terrain. Over time, they became cult favorites for adventurers, collectors, and gearheads worldwide.

Today, these iconic machines are more than historical symbols—they serve as the ultimate platforms for modern restomods. At ECD, each vehicle is reimagined as a one-of-one creation that fuses classic heritage with contemporary performance. The question remains: which legend aligns with your vision?

The Legacy of Two Off-Road Icons

Both the Defender 90 and Toyota FJ40 started as no-nonsense workhorses, built for durability and off-road excellence. Over decades, these machines have evolved into global icons with devoted followings.

Land Rover Defender 90: British Ruggedness

The Defender’s legacy stretches back to the original Land Rovers of the late 1940s. Simple, boxy, and tough, these early utility vehicles served farmers, explorers, and adventurers navigating challenging landscapes. By 1984, Land Rover had refined the blueprint with the Defender 90—a short-wheelbase, agile off-roader that could tackle virtually any terrain without being oversized.

With its boxy stance, removable tops, and legendary off-road capability, the D90 has become one of the most recognizable 4x4s in history. Gearheads continue to love it for its rugged charm, versatility, and adaptability as a restomod platform.

Toyota FJ40: Japanese Toughness

Meanwhile, across the globe, Toyota introduced the Land Cruiser FJ40 in the 1960s. Built as a no-frills, ultra-reliable off-roader, the FJ40 quickly earned a reputation for durability and simplicity. Its short wheelbase, iconic round headlights, and unmistakable grille made it instantly recognizable.

Decades later, the FJ40 remains a cultural icon for off-road enthusiasts. Its blend of toughness, simplicity, and reliability makes it a perfect candidate for a modern restomod without losing the essence that made it legendary.

Both the Defender 90 and FJ40 share one thing in common: they were never flashy. They were built to perform—and that honesty is what cemented their status as classics. Today, they serve as exceptional foundations for ECD restomods, offering timeless design paired with modern engineering.

Inside ECD’s Custom Defender 90 Restomods

At ECD, the Defender 90 isn’t just restored—it’s transformed. Every build is a one-of-one commission, starting at $259,995, tailored to the client’s exact vision.

The journey begins with a full design consultation, covering everything from paint colors and interior materials to wheel style and powertrain selection. Once the blueprint is finalized, the donor vehicle is stripped to bare metal and rebuilt with more than 2,200 hours of craftsmanship.

Powertrain options include the dependable GM 5.3L V8, a roaring LT1, or a supercharged LT4, turning the compact D90 into a modern performance powerhouse with classic heritage.

Project Beach Patrol exemplifies the ECD approach: finished in bold AA Yellow with black accents and a soft top, this D110 restomod is a beach-ready icon outfitted with a 6.2L LS3 V8 and Borla Dual Sport exhaust, producing 430 horsepower for city streets and coastal adventures alike.

Inside ECD’s Custom Toyota FJ40 Restomods

While the Defender 90 has long been a cornerstone of ECD builds, the Toyota FJ40 opens a new chapter for classic off-roading. Each FJ40 restomod starts at $239,995, and like the Defender, every build is a one-of-one creation.

The process mirrors ECD’s meticulous Defender approach: a full design consultation, complete teardown, and a painstaking rebuild. Every detail is customizable, from paint finishes and seat layouts to leather choices and interior technology.

Under the hood, FJ40 restomods can feature modern engines ranging from the Chevy 6.2L LS3 to the LT1 V8, paired with upgraded suspension, brakes, and electronics. What was once a vintage 4x4 becomes a modern machine without sacrificing its classic character.

Defender 90 vs. Toyota FJ40: Choosing Your Ideal Restomod

Selecting between the Defender 90 and the Toyota FJ40 is a matter of personality and vision.

• Defender 90: British heritage, agile off-road performance, endlessly customizable. With options from subtle Retro builds to LT4-powered monsters, the D90 combines off-road prowess with style and sophistication. Its compact size may limit cabin space, but enhances its maneuverability and trail performance. 
• Toyota FJ40: Rugged simplicity and unmatched reliability. Modernized with ECD’s restomod expertise, the FJ40 balances toughness with comfort and power. Its design prioritizes raw durability over refinement, appealing to enthusiasts who crave classic charm with modern capability.
  

Ultimately, either vehicle can be transformed into a one-of-one restomod masterpiece. Both are legends, and both allow ECD clients to create a machine that perfectly aligns with their lifestyle and driving aspirations.

Build Your Ultimate Classic Restomod With ECD

Whether you’re drawn to the Defender 90’s British pedigree or the FJ40’s Japanese toughness, ECD ensures your restomod is personal, unforgettable, and meticulously crafted.

Ready to start your custom off-road project? Connect with the ECD team today to explore your options and browse our full lineup of restomod builds—from iconic off-roaders to timeless sports cars and American pony cars.