The Land Rover Defender:  What’s in a Name?

Before we investigate how ECD is transforming Defenders, let’s look at the icon’s heritage. Although Land Rovers and the Defender’s predecessors, the 90 and 110, were a household name well before the 1990’s, the Defender badge was not added until 1990. The new vehicle nameplates became the Defender 90 and Defender 110. But where did the name come from? The name “Defender” came from the vehicle’s reputation as rugged and dependable. It badged the Defender name to emphasize a vehicle that could take off-roading to the extreme.

Interior Enhancements

The late classic style Defenders held on to its significant emphasis on keeping the reputation as a rugged and reliable off-road and adventure vehicle. That said, the nameplate also continued its elevation toward a luxury vehicle by enhancing interior features and options. Throughout the decade, there were notable improvements to seating designs geared to address more comfort while cruising on longer trips. This included improved padding and materials in addition to the overall seat design.

The dashboard and controls of the 1990’s Land Rover Defender were updated to offer more visibility and better ergonomics. Several enhancements were made to the cluster including improved and more accurate gauges for important vehicle information such as fuel level, temperature, and RPM. Several warning lights were added throughout the decade including some engine diagnostics and seatbelt reminders.

Interior trim including higher-quality plastics and fabrics were also upgraded slightly on the vehicle as the carmaker continued to add more luxury. Optional interior trim levels, sound systems and air conditioning were also added throughout the 1990’s Land Rover Defender models.

Modernizing a Classic

ECD has become synonymous with modernizing classic Defenders. How does a company such as ECD modernize a classic? From the frame up. After an in-depth design session with the client, the ECD crew gets to work by first locating a suitable classic car for restoration and tearing it down to the frame. Each frame is meticulously restored, and rust proofed before moving forward to the rebuild and modernization steps.

ECD has always demonstrated a passion for the iconic look and feel of the 1990’s Land Rover Defender and although it restores and modernizes the vehicle, it retains its classic appeal. That said, let’s take a journey down a customization path and briefly highlight just some of the ways ECD Auto Design can modernize your classic Defender.

Owning a vintage land rover still holds the value of being part of a club that it did during its inception. But imagine, owning one of these icons and being able to customize to a modern marvel, while keeping its classic styling intact. Imagine being able to choose your own favorite color and not settling for the factory colors of a new vehicle. Imagine driving down the road in a Defender powered by a corvette or electric engine. At ECD you can completely reimagine the classic Land Rover vehicle to your own specifications. ECD allows you to completely customize your vehicle from color to powertrain, from exterior trim options to complete interior layout.

Powertrain that Makes a Statement

ECD takes powertrain options to the next level with several configuration options that allow for original restoration to the complete modernization of electric. Engine options include:

• Chevrolet LS3 6.2 L V8 430 HP engine
• Chevrolet LS3 565 HP Corvette engine
• Chevrolet LT4 6.2L V8 640 HP Supercharged engine
• Chevrolet LC9 engine
• Rover V8 engine
• Cummins Diesel engine
• ECD Generation 2 Electric engine

Electric Range Rover Classic

Imagine the look on people’s faces as you pull up to a charging station in a classic 1990’s Land Rover Defender, open your charge port and plug in. Talk about making a statement as an icon meets the modern automotive world. Feel the power of a 6.2 L V8 Chevrolet supercharged engine with 640 hp behind you, while sitting comfortably in a classic that once maxed out at 375 hp.

Step Inside to Interiors Configured to Your Personality

ECD clients come with different all different personalities and needs. Each interior can have many configuration options and customization can range from dash layout, seating positions, custom upholstery and stitching, lighting features, sound systems, even seat styles. Some of the seat styles include Corbeau Racing, Corbeau Trailcat, Puma and Puma Modular. You can also choose a custom color and stitching pattern for your Defender project at ECD. Some stitching options include square, horizontal, diamond (both vertical or horizontal), and custom seating embroidery.

Custom interiors, whether it be on a 1970’s, 1980’s or 1990’s Land Rover Defender is a craft that is not to be confused with producing a commodity. ECD hires and develops some of the best talent in their field to ensure that each interior achieves the level of sophistication that the newly custom-designed Defender deserves.

Accessories Make the Difference

Customizing your vehicle with options such as grill options, roof racks, wheel arches, steps and roof types are just a few ways to differentiate and update the exterior of your vehicle. Adding a winch, A-Bar, or exterior work light are a sample of options that will not only add style, but functionality to the new vehicle and can be configured per the client specifications during the design process. Interior accessories such as sound systems including subwoofers, custom lighting options, seat configuration for 3, 4, 6 passenger layouts as well as extra storage, flooring types, etc. can all be customized to your personal requirements. Accessories are always effective and are a fantastic way to distinguish your build.

Wrapping It Up:  How an Iconic Defender Transforms into a Modern Marvel

What does it take to modernize a Classic Land Rover Defender properly? It is a journey that starts with the customer, coupled with 2,200 person-hours of some of the best trades people in the industry. When you walk into the ECD headquarters you will not only find a state-of-the-art facility and skilled workforce, but most importantly a passionate team that makes each project a personal accomplishment.

ECD Auto Design is not only reviving the vintage appeal of the Defender, but also offering a platform for clients to reimagine and personalize their classic vehicles. They can infuse the classic vehicles with modern features while honoring their timeless design heritage.