The Land Rover Defender is a true legend in the realm of off-roading vehicles. It's no wonder so many companies have made it their mission to reimagine and reconstruct Defenders to make them more powerful and more luxurious for today's top fans and collectors. The latest restomod outfit specializing in making this beloved classic an even more extraordinary machine is Legend Motor Co.
The first vehicle to roll out of the Salt Lake City, Utah-based shop is called the Signature Series 001 and is a reimagination of the iconic British 4x4 built to the highest modern standards using best-in-class components that are all sourced from the US. It stands out from the pack with an all-aluminum, Kevlar-lined body, a modern Jeep JK chassis, a Fox racing suspension, and a capable GM LT1 6.2L E-Rod V8 engine.
The Defender, which has its roots way back in the 1940s, became a popular choice among those who need off-road capability above all. However, mechanical reliability, precision engineering, and luxury are not its strengths, which is why demand for units with modern updates exists.
However, the Utah-based shop's aim wasn’t to upgrade the classic Defender or modify one of the recent models but to create a new, better Defender altogether. So, for their inaugural project, the team maintained the iconic silhouette of the classic Land Rover Defender but replaced the entire chassis, drivetrain, and interior.
The transformation started with a Defender 110 body and a modern Jeep JK chassis, and the team founded by Nick Panos, Sawyer Carpenter, and James Frauenberg then performed a slew of upgrades to turn this combo into the ultimate British/American 4×4. The body is all-aluminum, just like the Land Rover original, but the classic lines were enhanced with modern upgrades. A proprietary Kevlar liner has been added inside and underneath for extra protection, which is seamlessly color-matched to the exterior finish to ensure a cohesive design.
Legend Motor Co. has adopted a rather conservative approach for the exterior of their custom Defender, with the only other modifications including a set of 17-inch steel wheels shod in 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 mud tires, a fabric top that can be removed, and the Legend badging.
Photo: Legend Motor Co.
What lies beneath the surface is not that conservative, though. The Jeep JK chassis has been equipped with a Falcon 3.3 Fast Adjust piggyback suspension, and under the hood, the team fitted a GM-sourced 6.2-liter LT1 V8 engine that produces 455 hp and 465 ft-lbs of torque. The mill can be upgraded to a more powerful LT4 that outputs 650 hp and 650 ft-lbs of torque. Regardless of the engine option, power is sent to all four wheels through a heavy-duty eight-speed automatic transmission and an ATLAS II transfer case.
Other noteworthy mechanical features of the Signature Series 001 include Ultimate Dana 60 HD front and rear axles that have been modified with ARB air lockers for improved traction control and oversized heavy-duty brakes all around. The vehicle also boasts a PSC heavy-duty power steering system, which ensures responsive handling in all conditions.
For the interior, Legend blended comfort and simplicity with luxury for an exquisite experience. The cabin features hand-sewn, full aniline open-grain leather seats, with captain chairs up front, a second-row bench, plus jump seats in the cargo area. Custom-made gauges, a Resto-mod Air climate control system, and a removable Soundbok Bluetooth stereo system are also included.
Legend Motor Co. is now accepting orders for the Signature Series 001, so if you want your own hand-built Defender restomod that includes the best parts of the British icon combined with modern American power, head over to their website for more details.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
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