This year at E.C.D., we’ve had an amazing range of custom vehicles down the line. This year we celebrated several firsts in the Rover Dome with a few builds deemed our Top 10 custom Defenders of the year. Take a look at the list of these custom Defenders and let us know if you agree or if your Top 10 builds would be different. Let’s start from the beginning of the year and work our way through.

Project Rowdy

Project Rowdy made several headlines when the build was first released in April of 2020. Painted in British Racing Green, the only traditional thing about this build, Project Rowdy became loved for its modern luxuries. From its hand-tipped tan interior to its extra spacious captain seat middle row, this build was designed with a purpose. With a built-in custom rear ski-rack, Project Rowdy’s most popular feature is its custom Thewliss Gregson cabinet in the rear, built to house a shotgun, wine glasses, and all the right materials for an outdoor picnic. The custom Defender was built for leisurely activities and even had a fold down fish cleaning station for the ultimate day out, and with the combination of accessories, things are bound to get rowdy with this Land Rover Defender 110.
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Project Alpinist

Project Alpinist is a custom Defender build whose looks don’t necessarily match its purpose. One glance at the Liquid Metal lifted D90 on 18" VBS Encore Black wheels, and you’d think it was built for scenarios similar to the film Mad Maxx. However, the build’s custom, foldable, window mesh guards, Nitto Grappler tires, and full range of exterior accessories were actually a part of the Defender’s purpose as a ranch vehicle, built with the owner’s vivacious pups in mind. That’s right; the Defender was custom-fitted for the owner's dogs and their lifestyle on the ranch. Not only are the mesh guards installed to prevent them from hopping out, but the build also has fans built into the rear to quickly cool the pups, as well as a built-in puppy ramp so they can easily get in and out of their custom Defender.
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Project Mas

Project Mas is a rare D130 that is truly menacing in all black from its interior to its exterior, with the exception of its delicate pastel pink accents all around. The pink is subtle but a striking contradiction to Project Mas’s aggressive all-black look. The pink accents, a dedication to its owner’s relation to a certain Miami sports team, are visible on its custom pink gauges and its custom pink calipers on its Brembo Brakes. The build’s matte black look is extended to its added sand tracks, jerry cans, and external roll cage. While the build’s home is the city streets of Miami, it is fully capable of handling any off-road activities that come its way.
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Project Windswept

Project Windswept made headlines as E.C.D.’s first build with a nearly full panoramic glass roof. With a view that gives every row of seating a look through its own glass pane, the build provides stunning views from inside the vehicle. Zermatt silver accessories complement its Havana color, and its brown and cream Nappa leather interior is just truly stunning. The interior views are given even more of a luxury feel with this modern dual-toned interior and seating for 6. If anyone takes an aerial view of the build, the panoramic roof is visible and sets it apart as a classic Defender that has been completely modernized.
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Project Dante

Project Dante, a fully custom D90, came to us after a first run through a different restoration shop that did downright shoddy work. Now, it is one of E.C.D’s most popular and brightest (literally) builds. The gorgeous D90 is a lovely mint color, Latte Menta to be exact, with unique 18″ inch Kahn Rostyle wheels. The build definitely turns heads and when it was delivered garnered quite a bit of attention from its owner's neighbors. Inside, it has Garrett Distressed Sepia Leather and beautiful wood hydro-dipped finishes, making its interior just as unique as its exterior. One look at the builds before and after, and the transformation is simply stunning. More recently, Project Dante picked up a Christmas tree for its new home.
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Project CL

Project CL is a convertible Land Rover Defender 90 that is a complete beach build; even its coloring looks beachy. With an Arles Blue exterior and a sandy-colored Garrett Leather Irish Cream interior, the build reflects the colors of the beach. With the canvas soft-top off, it's perfect for strapping on the surfboards and heading to the beachfront to catch the perfect waves. One look at this build, and you’re whisked away to ideas of vacations and driving with the wind in your hair. Dubbed the “Surf Cruiser,” this powerful little Landy is still popular among media outlets.
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Project Suraco

Project Suraco is another rare D130, and its lack of accessories is what makes it so popular among enthusiasts. Its classic utility look is brought to life by its Satin Volcanic Moss Pearl color and simple black accents all around. Its Cadence Spice interior is the perfect modern touch for a build that is truly a stand out as being a classic Defender.
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Project Phantom

What isn’t to love about Project Phantom? This build might seem a bit boring from the outside with its grey coloring, but the inside is full of wonder. Designed to match its owner’s Phantom Rolls-Royce, Project Phantom has a shocking Lamborghini orange interior, with custom honeycomb stitching, accent panels, and lighting throughout its interior. The build also has E.C.D.'s first-ever custom, made by hand, starlit headliner, which sparkles like the night sky from the inside of the vehicle. Each light was placed by hand, and the headline can be controlled from the console. The build is also the first build at E.C.D. to feature all-metal finishes inside; from the door handles, the vents, and even the buttons, and pedals, the build has no plastic touches insight. To further add to its luxury, between the build’s spacious captain middle seats is a custom-built console with a fridge, perfect for keeping beverages cool. When it comes to luxury at E.C.D., this build takes the cake.
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Project Kutter

Project Kutter sure isn’t “cookie Kutter,” as its headlines read. This lovely convertible D90 looks baby blue inside and out, but the exterior color is actually Cool Gray Khaki. The silver accents and 18″ Hawke Design make it a stunning build to look at. What makes Kutter unique is its Navy leather with Diagonal Weave “Tuxedo” Inserts giving it a classic look. Project Kutter is also the little brother of Project Barge, our popular D130 with a teak rear bed and bronze accents throughout, so of course, it too features a fully custom rear teak bed. This is a must-see build inside and out.
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Project Langeti

One of our last builds of 2020, recently coming off the line during the first week of December, this build is also our first to feature the powerful 650 HP supercharged LT4 engine. It is a stunning custom Defender painted in Keswick green with Nara Bronze accents all around, giving it a camo look. The build’s nostalgic coloring is quite the contradiction for the powerhouse under its hood as it has 630 lb-ft of torque at 6600 RPMs. Inside, the build’s earth tones continue with a chocolate brown leather interior and custom brown seat belts. It is the most powerful E.C.D. build to date and sets the motion for our introduction of the LT4 engine for builds coming in 2021. Love these builds as much as we do? Take a look and get a free digital download of our 2021 Calendar! Write in all your favorite dates and holidays while looking at some of E.C.D.’s best looking builds from 2020.
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