Is there anything more sweet than sitting behind the wheel of a vintage Land Rover Defender? At ECD, we don’t tend to think so. Of course, the Land Rover Defender has a unique legacy that spans multiple decades. Don’t get us wrong, the 2024 Land Rover Defender is an epic ride, but it can’t replicate the history of a restomod Defender. Here’s a look at how a restomod Defender provides the best of both worlds when blending legacy and modern technology.

What Is a Restomod Defender?

The term restomod refers to restoring a vintage vehicle where its classic styles are retained, and modern technology is added. For example, a restomod Defender retains its classic look and body while receiving modern upgrades to its drivetrain, interior, and exterior.

At ECD, customers can choose from three different models when starting a restomod Defender build. These models include Defender 90, Defender 110, and Defender 130. The D90 is a two-door Defender, the D110 is a four-door Defender, and the D130 is the four-door pickup truck version of the Defender that features a truck bed.

Each of these Defender models can maintain its classic style while simultaneously being enhanced with the best tech and upgrades that modern technology offers. In terms of drivetrain, a restomed Defender from ECD can be outfitted with a modern gasoline drivetrain powered by either a Chevy LS3 engine or a Chevy LC9 engine, or a Chevy LT4 engine. In addition, a restomed Defender can also be outfitted with a Cummins diesel engine or an electric drivetrain.

The ECD team brought the United States its first fully restored Defender powered by an electric drivetrain in the form of Project Britton. Of course, this makes Project Britton an excellent example of a restomod Defender as it maintains the classic look and feel of a vintage D110 while being powered by a modern all-electric Tesla Motor Direct drivetrain.

Blending the Legacy of Land Rover with the Modern Technology of Today

It may be hard to grasp the desire to own a restomod Defender without first understanding the iconic legacy behind the Land Rover brand. The history of the iconic Land Rover brand stems back to post-World War II. At the time, Land Rover was simply known as the Rover Company, an automotive company that was originally founded in Solihull, England, in 1878.

After World War II, the Rover Company took on a new project. In 1948, Land Rover prototypes began rolling off the production line. These utility vehicles were inspired by the British Army Jeeps used during the war and designed to handle agricultural workloads. After some initial success with the utility line, the Land Rover brand soon became synonymous with producing sturdy offroaders, and the Land Rover moniker was soon found throughout Europe, Australia, Africa, North America, and the Middle East.

Luckily, the Land Rover brand didn’t fade to the wayside after the Rover Company was sold to Leyland Motors in 1967. Instead, the Land Rover legacy continued as more SUVs were added to the lineup, including the Land Rover Defenders. Originally marketed as the Land Rover One Ten, the first year of Defenders was released in 1983. As the One Ten turned out to be a commercial success for the company, it was quickly followed up by the release of the Land Rover Ninety in 1984 and the Land Rover 127 in 1985. It wasn’t until the early 1990s that the Defender moniker was officially bestowed on the lineup. The Land Rover One Ten became the Defender 110, the Land Rover Ninety became the Defender 90, and the Land Rover 127 became the Defender 130.

Recent Restomod Defender Build Projects

The ECD Portfolio of restomod Defender build projects is extensive. While every building project is unique, some seem to demand more attention than others. However, it’s still impossible to choose a favorite restomod Defender. So, here’s a look at some of our most recent eye-catching restomod Defender build projects built to each client’s specifications.

Project Mexico 1

Finished in full gloss Grasmere Green with black accents all around, Project Mexico 1 is a stunning vintage D110. Project Mexico 1 sits on 16-inch wolf steel wheels painted in Cornish cream and sports BFG rugged terrain tires. The exterior of this D110 is pulled together with a gorgeous front runner roof rack, a classic front bumper, four LED spotlights in the front, and one work light at the rear. Under the hood of this restomod Defender, you’ll find a GM LS3 430 hp engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The interior of this D110 is just as stunning as the exterior, with each seat being finished in a horizontal Garrett Avion Oat Leather and stitched together in sand color. Project Mexico 1 also features a 2+3+2 seat layout, having the ability to seat a total of 7 passengers. The SUV contains two captain chairs, a three-seat middle row, and two forward-facing jump seats in the rear cargo area. While this D110 does vintage sport gauges, its interior is stacked with modern tech features like a touchscreen stereo unit, Bluetooth, CarPlay, and access to USB ports.

Project Raven

Another recent restomod Defender build that turned out pretty great is Project Raven. This 1991 D90 features a soft top and is finished in stunning full gloss Busting Blue with black accents. Project Raven’s exterior look is topped off with its 18-inch 1983 Wheels in Satin Black, BFG all-terrain tires, a multi-point roll cage, a classic front bumper with a winch, and 4 LED spotlights up front. Under the hood of this D90, you’ll find a GM LT1 450-hp engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

When you step inside Project Raven, you are met with the perfect blend of luxury and modern technology. This D90 sports a MOMO INDY wooden steering wheel with all-American gauges. Project Raven seats a total of four passengers, with two captain chairs in the front and two forward-facing jump seats located in the load area. In this building project, each seat is finished in a single vertical Diamond Garrett Distressed Pecan Leather stitched together with white thread. In terms of modern tech, Project Raven is outfitted with a GL audio sound system, Apple CarPlay, and access to USB ports throughout.

Let ECD Handle Your Restomod Defender Build

If you’re interested in adding a custom-built Land Rover to your garage, there’s no better time than the present to get started on your restomod Defender build. The dedicated team at ECD has vast experience breathing no life into restomod Defender builds, and yours could be next. Before you start the build process, check out our 3D Build Simulator to discover more about our unique, customizable configurations. Once you’re ready to start your build project, contact us today to get the full scoop on the design and build process at ECD Automotive!