Everyone has a different opinion as to which E.C.D. builds are the best. Lifestyle, color preference, and style play a role in what someone finds suits them best for their custom defender 110. So we sat down with Founder, Tom Humble, to find out which custom D110 builds are in his Top 5. 

Tom had the idea of importing Defenders to the U.S. back before E.C.D.’s conception. Having seen them around his native country in England, he landed an opportunity to bring a few over for relatives, which sparked the concept of E.C.D. His passion for classic and more modern vehicles is evident by taking a look at what’s in his driveway at any given time. That being said, Tom had some in-depth lifestyle thinking when asked, “Which E.C.D. Defender 110s are in your Top 5?” This is his take: 

“When it comes to Top 5, that’s a tough one. So I’ll answer with a series of questions:

Which would I have in my garage? 

Great Dane. A beautiful Aintree Green Metallic 110 with a wide body kit and just the right amount of exterior accessories. The premium Cadence Spice leather is a superb complement to the exterior and is one of my favorites to date. It’s simply a stunning truck. This build would be a great daily driver with ample performance from its 6.2L V8 engine, Borla exhaust, and custom adjustable E.C.D. air suspension.

Best for a modern/classic twist? 

Project S2. This project falls perfectly into our Heritage Collection; it’s got that straight from the factory look in the classic Land Rover color Grasmere Green with Grasmere Green steel wheels, a white roof, and manual transmission. Inside, it’s a bit more modern, with an upgraded LC9 engine and Rugata Brown and Super-soft black leathers. It’s the twisted Defender that fits perfectly into what client’s who favor the heritage seek out.

Which would rival a Bentley? 

Project Windswept. This is a build E.C.D. has not yet released, so I can’t go into too much detail. But it has an “it” factor that we’ve never seen or done before in a Defender, and it definitely rivals more luxury modern vehicles. The build has a style to it that we haven’t done, and that’s fairly exciting to be able to introduce new features and innovations. It begs clients to push the limits on what they desire in their custom Defender and really speaks to what E.C.D. can do.

Best for a weekend away? 

Project Rowdy. This build made headlines for several weeks, and with its entertainment features, it makes sense. Project Rowdy is a lovely British Racing Green with a warm Hand Tipped leather interior, making a beautiful complement between exterior and interior. The back features a custom Ski rack and its more popular custom Thewlis Gregson cabinet drawer. It has a custom fit wine and glass caddy with utensils and picnic gear for the ultimate outdoor entertainment, along with a shotgun drawer because that just adds to the weekend of fun. It was named Project Rowdy for a reason.

Which would I swap my Range Rover Autobiography for?

Project Hugo. In the classic Loire Blue, Project Hugo is fitted for anything. With 565 horses and custom ECD 2-way Air suspension, this build offers a smooth drive comparable to more modern vehicles. When it comes to interior-exterior, clearly, I have a preference as Hugo has a warm interior that fits perfectly with its Evander Wood series steering wheel and classic style gauges. I would also trade in my R.R. Autobiography for Project Alpha, but that build is a stunning Range Rover Classic.

Which would I take to thrash around if I was single? 

Project Soho. The exterior of this build favors a primer until you get close and see the details and superb look. With the Kahn wide body kit, custom Quantum Grey color in an eggshell finish, Kahn X-lander Grille, and Slimline bumper, Soho is the style of build that speaks to long days that plan themselves as you go along. A stop by a pub, the soccer field, a fishing trip, a night in the city, the day is yours. The flashy interior is a stark contrast to the cool grey exterior, but the message is the same: this is the build for a single Tom.”

If you asked yourself these same questions, does that change your top 5? Ready to start your journey to a custom build that blends all your Top 5 favorites and fits your lifestyle? Get in touch at [email protected].