EAST COAST DEFENDER'S "PROJECT BLACKOUT" SHOWCASES THE BALANCED POWER OF LC9 SMALL-BLOCK ENGINE

East Coast Defender’s recent “Project Blackout” showcases the balanced power of the LC9 small-block engine wrapped inside a beautifully handcrafted, black-on-black Defender 90. Known for its excellent handling and acceleration, the 5.3L engine is a smart option for drivers who want the convenience of owning a daily driver, as well as a weekend warrior at the beach.

“‘Project Blackout’ is the perfect example of our team’s ability to build a Defender tailored to the specific needs of the owner,” said Scott Wallace, East Coast Defender Co-Owner. “The owner of this ECD Defender, asked us to build an SUV that is equally at home on the road, as it is during a long weekend at the beach. Naturally, the LC9 engine was the perfect engine option because it delivers balanced power without sacrificing efficiency.”
“Project Blackout” started out as a 1987 Defender 90, which was located by ECD co-founder Elliot Humble near Norfolk County in England. Project Blackout’s build began in June 2016 and rolled out of The Rover Dome on June 29, 2017.

“GM originally built the LC9 engine for use in their large SUVs, such as the Suburban and Yukon models,” said Tom Humble, East Coast Defender Co-owner. “It’s a powerful engine, offering exceptional performance with better fuel economy for everyday driving conditions, miles above what was put in the Defenders 25 years ago. With 326 available horsepower at her disposal, it was a perfect option giving the owner a broad, flat torque curve that’s perfect for everyday commuting.”

The black exterior with black interior is why this custom Defender was dubbed “Project Blackout”. It is finished in a classic black paint with black checkerplate accents and 18-inch black Sawtooth wheels. Inside the cabin are heated black leather Land Rover seats with black instrument panel and Momo leather wrapped steering wheel.

“We have an incredibly diverse client base who come to us from across the country,” said Elliot Humble, East Coast Defender Co-owner. “I believe that speaks volumes about the broad appeal of our handcrafted Defenders. Like a finely tailored shirt, each SUV we build exudes the character and personality of its owner. ‘Project Blackout’ is an attractive vehicle that’s a stunning extension of its new owner.”

Project Blackout performance specs include:

• 5.3-liter, 326-hp Chevrolet LC9 V-8 engine
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Stainless steel fuel and brake lines
• Borla Exhaust
• EBC Performance brakes
• Ron Davis aluminum radiator

Project Blackout interior and convenience specs include:

• Classic Instruments Moal Bomber gauges
• Kenwood Infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, GPS, and backup camera
• Amplified Morel speakers with subwoofer
• Heated leather Land Rover seats finished in black leather with four inward facing jump seats in the rear
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• LED lighting throughout

Project Blackout exterior and styling specs include:

• Full roof rack with LED spot lamps
• 18-inch Sawtooth wheels with BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires

East Coast Defender was founded by three self-prescribed “British petrol heads,” brothers Tom and Elliot Humble, and Scott Wallace. Growing up in England, near the famous Lode Lane factory where the Defenders were produced, the three found themselves surrounded by Defenders throughout their childhood. East Coast Defender officially opened its facility in 2013 and has been building the world’s most celebrated, handcrafted Defenders since that time. Today, the company is based in Kissimmee, Florida, where every ECD custom Defender SUV is built by hand in the company’s 21,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, called the Rover Dome.

Visit www.ecd.s5clients.com for more information and to learn how to own a handcrafted, custom engineered Defender.

About East Coast Defender
Located in Kissimmee,Florida, East Coast Defender is an award-winning builder of premium Land Rover Defenders. With over 25 years of Land Rover Defender building experience, ECD has earned a reputation for its commitment to perfection, its dedication to build quality and its ability to maintain the heritage of the Defender while modernizing it for clients. East Coast Defender has grown tremendously and has expanded the term “luxury vehicle” to “all-terrain multi-functional luxury vehicle.” East Coast Defender currently has over 30 full-time employees in its 21,000 square-foot facility. For more information, please visit ecd.s5clients.com or call (407) 483-4825.

Media contact, and for high res images and video:
Aaron Cook at TimePiece PR
(214) 520-3430 or [email protected]

High-Res Images:
Photo Credit: Nathan Deremer/East Coast Defender