With over 250 custom Defender builds under our belt and each one being completely unique, we always strive to find new ways to provide the best innovations for our builds. Some builds go the route of being true to the Defender heritage, and some strive to be a one-of-one luxury custom SUV for the family. Regardless of their destiny, some builds set out to be a completely twisted take on the Defender. Here are some of our favorites from over the years that take on the badge of best twisted defender.

Project Beast

Project Beast was our first ever LS3 custom Defender build. Not only did this become our first 0-60 build, but it was also a true twisted Defender in its entire style. The all-black menace stood out compared to E.C.D.’s other previous builds with a full Kahn wide-body kit, a full external roll cage, and a black leather interior with red stitching. Beast paid homage to the spirit of the Defender but took on the modern twist of having upgraded performance for daily driving. In some ways, it paved the way for our future clients to see that whatever they could think of for their customized restored Land Rover, we could build it.

Project Viper

What made Project Viper a twisted Defender, was the fact that it was built and design with a truly distinct purpose — off-roading in the dunes and mud of Costa Rica. We built this D130, knowing the owner would be shipping it off to rip it through the terrain and mudding for fun, which is not-so-surprisingly what most of our clients have in mind for their builds. This kind of fun is the culture that came about for Defenders in the Camel Trophy era and is what most Defender enthusiasts still love about the vehicle. Built with an adjustable lift, sand-tracks, upgraded Wildwood brakes, and a bill bar on the bumper, this is one of E.C.D.’s first luxury builds to be used for fun in the mud.

Project Burning Green

Project Burning Green is a stunning custom Defender 110 Crew Cab in a beautiful Satin Volcanic Moss Pearl. Even with an upgraded 565-bhp LS3 engine, this build has a twist from our typical builds in that it has a 5-speed manual transmission, a preferred choice among most Defender enthusiasts since the original Defender had a manual transmission. Along with a range of upgraded external features, this build has a Custom Dual-opening Canvas rooftop, and a gorgeous Porsche Nappa Sand-colored interior. The style of this build was definitely a first for E.C.D. and pushed the boundaries for our custom builds at every custom feature. 

Project Family Vacation

This build, with an awesomely nostalgic purpose of taking the family on vacation cross-country, has the nostalgic look to back up its purpose. Its traditional Land Rover Coniston green color, steel wheels, and manual transmission make it any traditional Defender enthusiast’s dream build. The canvas top and wheel on the bonnet add to the heritage feel, and inside, touches of wood accents complement the Nappa Thema 5001 Ginger leather interior. This is a build that is a look into the original Defender but with the twist of select modern conveniences.

Project Camper

Everything about Project Camper screams custom luxury SUV, from its panoramic rear glass and tinted windows to its all-white Spinneybeck, Velluto Pelle Boomerang, leather interior. Despite enthusiasts favoring the Defender’s traditional look, this build is always a popular one on our social channels. It is simply a stunning representation of the lux side of the Defender. Its Rosello Red color is bright but subtle in certain shades, and its slim-modern exterior accessories lend to it being a twisted Defender. Its subtle beauty is what makes it stand out.

Project Alpinist

A post-apocalyptic looking build that has the single purpose of driving around some beloved pups on its owner’s ranch. At first glance, you’d think this custom Defender would be built for something much more intense, off-road excursions or just looking badass perhaps. The exterior mesh cages on the build’s windows were meant to keep the owner’s beloved pups inside when the windows were down; there was even a custom dog ramp built into the rear for said pups. Its gorgeously color interior adds to this build’s need to deviate from some of our client’s typical choices. With its 18” V.B.S. Encore Black wheels, Nitto Ridge Grappler tires, and Liquid Metal color, this build is a more modern look for the Defender.

Between overhauls and ground-up custom rebuilds, there are definitely more twisted Defenders that are bound to come off the line from E.C.D. Adding quality innovation to the 25-year old classic is what we have a passion for, and seeing our clients’ dream vehicles come to life is the cherry on top.