It’s 2021, and of course, there are an array of new SUVs on the market, including the new Land Rover Defender (which is actually available here in the U.S. for those who didn’t know). It’s hard to decide which vehicle is best for you between the new Defender, the newly redesigned Ford Bronco, and some newer Tesla SUVs. In all honesty, it all depends on your lifestyle and what you have planned for the vehicle. But if you love the classics and aren’t sure about these newer “versions” of them, the “New Classic,” aka a restored classic Defender, may just be the perfect medium for you!

Straight off the bat, the best thing about a restored classic is that unlike one of the other newer models, these vehicles will retain their value over time; the latest 2021 vehicles will depreciate, much like any vehicle you’d drive off the lot. If you love a vehicle that keeps giving even after it’s aged a few years or a decade, a restored Defender is a good place to start. With the rarity of the original Defender, you could even see an increase in value to your vehicle over time.

The second best thing about going the route of the vintage Defender remodeled is having the ability to customize the vehicle from the ground up fully. There are no “set” colors, and you won’t see the exact same vehicle driving down the street in your neighborhood (we’ve seen at least 3 of the latest Defender in our local area alone). There’s something about owning an off-the-lot Defender that takes away the pizazz of owning a Defender. The newer versions of the oldies are still beauties, don’t get us wrong, the appeal of that new car smell is STRONG. But being able to custom build the vehicle to your lifestyle and purpose takes the experience to a new level. From seat style to custom features, you have the opportunity to drive an SUV that is a proper lifestyle vehicle.

There are also a few bonuses to being able to customize your vehicle. At ECD, for example, you can have the power and efficiency of a Tesla with your restored Defender. That’s right. ECD has a Tesla drivetrain option that makes your vehicle not only compliant for states like California but also makes your vehicle chargeable at any of the 25,000 and counting Tesla charging stations across the U.S. This convenience is an extremely modern capability for the classic vehicle born in the mid-80s. That being said, at ECD, you have your choice of V8, Diesel, or Electric, and you really can’t go wrong with any of the options. There are a few other perks with the V8 options as they are all GM drivetrainS and come in powerful (LC9), most powerful (LS3+), and ridiculously powerful (LT4). The GM options also include a 2-year, 25,000-mile warranty serviceable at any local GM dealer. Simple enough.

Possibly the best thing about going with a newer version of the classics is that you can have your vehicle today, and you can read all about the vehicle’s market rating. But things like financing, servicing, and test driving all share a similar experience to getting a new vehicle.

The only thing that can suede you one way or the other is an in-person test drive, which we always recommend. ECD has an open door policy and welcomes any qualified potential owners to come by for a test drive. Email [email protected] to set your appointment.