Restoration of Land Rover Defenders is not a new concept, especially for those in the U.K., where the Defender was originally born and produced. For decades, brands such as Twisted Automotive and Arkonik became household names in selling upgraded and modified Land Rover Defenders in England. As the years moved on, brands like ECD, Himilaya, and East Coast Rover became breakthrough brands that started the movement here in the U.S.

Today, a wide range of companies offer restored or custom upgrades for the Land Rover Defender. Classic Overland, a custom Land Rover Defender builder based in the U.S., prides itself on creating Safari-ready Defenders. Helderburg, based in New York, focuses on a range of custom vehicles from Mercedes to Porsche; their custom Defenders are detailed with craftsmanship as an ode to the way of English sophistication. The Landrovers, a Netherlands-based Defender restoration shop, creates beautifully unique vehicles that look simply amazing against the Amastardam backdrop. Based in North Carolina, Osprey Custom Cars focuses on creating impeccable Land Rover Defenders and has prided itself on performing the LS3 swap since 2013. Xerbera Automotive, a small restoration shop based in Texas, has recreated some of the most infamous Defenders, such as the Hue Defender and the Spectre Defender.

While most larger restoration companies focus on offering their series of Land Rovers, companies like ECD offer custom-built to-order vehicles. Established in 2013, ECD paved the way for Defender restoration in the U.S., pushing for innovation, customization, and quality above all else. With over 400 vehicles under its belt, ECD prides itself on delivering a ground-up rebuilt vehicle that reflects its clients’ exact visions. From Tesla-powered Defenders to Lamborghini Verdi Mantis colored Defenders, ECD hand builds with incomparable craftsmanship when it comes to Land Rover Defender restoration. ECD not only offers sourced rebuilds, but they also take on client builds through East Coast Overhaul, a subsidiary of ECD. East Coast Overhaul focuses on providing ECD quality upgrades to client-owned Land Rover Defenders. These upgrades range from engine swaps to complete interior restoration.

With many options available, it’s no longer a dream of the past to get one of the most nostalgic and heritage-bound vehicles right here in the United States. With technology booming, bringing the classic vehicle into today’s world with modern amenities remains inspired by the vehicle’s original enthusiasts and fans.