Land Rover Defender Restomod Has an LS Heart and a Crazy Name

A little over four years old, the latest generation has made a solid name for itself. Enthusiasts have pinned it against all sorts of other similar rides off the beaten path, proving that it is worthy of its legacy. The automaker has also spiced it up with multiple body styles, special editions, and one sought-after variant aptly named the V8 for obvious reasons.

But why mention the Defender and not the Discovery or perhaps the older Range Rovers? Because it was this model that recently paid a visit to East Coast Defender (ECD). The company specialized in bringing out the beast within some older off-roaders has given it the restomod treatment. Thus, it packs some modern amenities for a relatively old vehicle and comes with a punchy motor under the hood.

Regarding the visuals, it boasts steel front and rear bumpers and tubular side steps. It also features fender flares, front windscreen protection, a roll bar, a bulbar, and metal underbody plates. Upgraded Fox shocks are part of the makeover, alongside the uprated brakes backing up the 18-inch wheels that were wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires. And if you're wondering about the exterior color, it's called the Land Rover Corris Gray Gloss.

In the cabin, this older Defender 90, which features a fresh rag top, comes with a pair of comfortable front seats that sport integrated headrests and additional side bolstering. Black leather upholstery stitched together with red string in a diamond pattern is the dominating material here, and since it came from a different age, there is a MOMO steering wheel on deck that doesn't feature an airbag.

The center console is home to a pair of cupholders and the automatic gear selector. The company also mentions the gray gauges and an aftermarket touchscreen infotainment system complete with radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. As for the dashboard panel, it's the classic one, which was wrapped in leather with black stitching.

There is also a custom stereo system on deck, a pair of individual seats at the rear that can be folded down to increase the cargo area, and that's about all. As for the firepower, it is a GM-sourced 6.2-liter V8 with undisclosed output and torque, which is likely punchy enough to allow it to conquer some steep inclines, as this is, after all, an authentic off-roader. ECD calls it the Project T-Hell-U-Ride, and it is one unique build. Do you dig the spec?