While some would say there’s nothing more British than fish and chips, others might argue that accolade more appropriately belongs to a cup of tea. However, here at ECD, we believe that nothing is more of a British icon than the Land Rover Defender. With its blend of power, performance, and off-roading capabilities, it’s no surprise that the Defender has been a coveted SUV for more than four decades.

Find out more about the history of the Defender and how you can get your hands on the wheel of your very own custom Defender 110 below.

The History of the Land Rover Defender 110

The Land Rover Defender dates back to the 1980s. The first one rolled off the production line in 1983. However, at the time, this SUV was not yet marketed as a Defender. Instead, it was simply known as the Land Rover One Ten, with the spelled-out number directly referencing the vehicle’s wheelbase in inches.

While these SUVs had already been produced for more than half a decade, the “Defender” was not born until 1989. This same year, Land Rover introduced the Land Rover Discovery. To differentiate Land Rover One Ten from Discovery 110, the company decided to change its marketing strategy. Thus, the concept of the Defender was born, and the Land Rover One Ten simply became the Defender 110.

Every ECD Project Perfectly Blends the Land Rover Legacy With Modern Technology

There’s no denying that the Defender 110 is a legendary British off-roader. In the same respect, the rich legacy of the Land Rover company can’t be argued or ignored. While it may have been difficult for Americans to get behind the wheel of one of these iconic SUVs 30 years ago, owning a vintage Defender 110 is easier than ever before for residents in the States. ECD makes the process of sourcing and restoring a vintage Defender 110 simple.

Not only does ECD make finding a vintage Defender 110 possible, but we also provide clients the opportunity to completely customize all aspects of their Defender 110 build. From a classic five-seater layout with a wide-open cargo area to a nine-seater layout that features four inward-facing jump seats, clients can choose between four different seat layout configurations: a five-seater, a six-seater with an aisle, an eight-seater, and a nine-seater.

Along with this wide variety of seat configurations to choose from, ECD also allows clients to seamlessly blend the Land Rover legacy with numerous modern tech upgrades. For example, ECD clients can upgrade the classic Defender dashboard with a Puma Defender Dash equipped with a big screen on the dashboard that can be outfitted with a backup camera, CarPlay, and touchscreen capabilities. Additionally, a customized Defender 110 may be supplied with in-car Wi-Fi, USB ports, wireless charging stations, and other accessories.

Get Some Inspiration for Your Custom Defender 110 Build

If you’re wondering what your fully customized vintage Defender 110 could look like, ECD has a huge portfolio of Defender builds that is sure to spur some inspiration. You can also play around with your build ideas on the ECD design simulator.

The Defender 110 comes in two trim levels: Custom and Signature. The starting price of a Custom Defender 110 is $224,995. In comparison, the Signature Defender 110 starts at $284,995. For even more inspiration, take a look at some of our favorite Defender 110 custom builds.

Project Britain: The First Fully Electric Tesla-Powered Defender 110

At ECD, Project Britain was certainly a unique build experience, as it created the first fully electric Tesla-powered Defender 110 in the States. The custom build features full-gloss khaki gray paint with silver accents and sits on 20-inch Kahn Mondial wheels with BFG all-terrain tires. This Defender 110 seats four and features a built-in storage box in the rear cargo area. In addition, Project Britain boasts all the latest technology, from the Puma dashboard with a touchscreen to USB ports located throughout the SUV.

Project Evolution: A Corvette-Powered Custom-Designed Defender 110

Powered by a Chevrolet Corvette LS3 V8 engine, Project Evolution effortlessly combines power and performance. This Defender 110 sports a Kahn wide body finished in gorgeous Basalt Schwarz Metallic black paint. The SUV rests on 20-inch black Kahn Mondial wheels with all-terrain tires. Project Evolution can seat nine people with four inward-facing jump seats located in the rear cargo area of the SUV.

Project Diesel: The First Defender 110 That Features the Cummins 2.8L Turbo Diesel

Project Diesel is the first build at ECD to feature the new Cummins 2.8L turbo diesel engine. Painted in the classic Defender color of bronze green, Project Diesel demands attention out on the road. This Defender 110 impressively seats nine, with two inward-facing bench seats located in the rear cargo area. This build also features a Puma dashboard equipped with all the latest tech upgrades.

Create Your Own Custom Defender 110 With ECD

At ECD Automotive Design, we specialize in Land Rover restoration projects. So, however outlandish your Defender 110 restoration dreams are, our team can turn them into a reality. If you’re ready to start the design and customization process on a Defender 110 build, connect with the ECD team today.

Is it time to turn your Defender 110 dreams into reality? Yes? Then contact us today to start your custom Defender 110, which will be built to your exact specifications!