The Corvette engine-powered Land Rover 110 Defender with Jeep Wrangler chassis is the latest creation of Blackbridge. They call it the Mark IV and roll it out as a model that makes no compromise in terms of comfort and luxury.
Blackbridge Motors have become experts in reviving classic Land Rover Defenders. And this is what they are doing right now as well with this Defender 110 Mark IV. The model is underpinned by a custom-modified Jeep Wrangler chassis but sports modern performance upgrades.
The model is based, just like all Blackbridge Motor products, on the concept that owning and driving a classic Land Rover does not equal compromise. The founder of Blackbridge, Scott Gilbert, is an expert in repairing and restoring Defenders. Now, he does everything in compliance with his customers' preferences, turning the good old, but rough vehicles into flexible, customized, and modern rides.
Gilbert explains that Blackbridge is different from any custom Land Rover builder out there because, while everyone can throw a bigger engine in a Defender and call it a day, his company spins around the importance of the powertrain, but also drivability, safety, and reliability.
Their latest creation, the Mark IV Defender, is set in motion by a GM Performance 6.2-liter V8 LS3 engine that pumps out 425 horsepower. Black bridge outfitted it with an aerospace-grade body harness.
Photo: Blackbridge Motors
Blackbridge also transplanted a GM performance six-speed automatic transmission, a GM transfer case, a GM gear select lever, a GM performance engine accessory kit, and a GM Performance OEM engine control module. Blackbridge inserted all these into the driveline to make sure they get a perfect fit of components and an impeccable output flow.
Furthermore, customers will be able to service their Mark IV at any GM service shop or dealership. Those who don't want the Corvette LS3 can go for the 6.2-liter V8 GM LT1 with 450 horsepower, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Heavy-duty Dana HD front and rear axles with 4.88 gearing, a special hydroboost four-wheel Wildwood Master braking system, and Fox custom valved shocks are on the menu. Blackbridge replaced the original Land Rover Defender Chassis with that of a 2018 Jeep Wrangler, providing it with a wheelbase extended by 6 inches, which translates to more interior space. The model rides on 16-inch steel WOLF-style wheels with BFGoordich K02 A/T tires.
The customer asked for off-white weather-treated leather in Hellgrau (light gray) supplied by Hydes to cover the seats, door cards, and center console. The custom dashboard brings to the present the analog style of the original Defender. A 9-inch touchscreen controls many of the car's functions, while the LED lighting offers the necessary visibility on board during nighttime.
The cargo area can be accessed via a dropdown-style tailgate with a secure storage locker.
The retro-looking Defender with modern features is also equipped with LED running lights, brake lights, and turn signals, while Blackbridge x Vision X 7-inch round LED headlights showed up in the OEM grille. A Standard Width Body Canvas Soft Top with Strataglass Windows is part of the plan. If customers want to go for the custom upholstered canvas soft top, they must know it is a $12,000 affair.
Whoever wants to take one home must know they will have to wait for just four months. Pricing for the custom Blackbridge Motors Defender 110 Mark IV starts at $169,950, which the firm calls competitive.
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