ecd defender project alpinist

ECD

We love the new Land Rover Defender here at Gear Patrol, but it’s hard to match the charm of the old one — especially when it’s been pored over from the frame up, finished with the finest materials and endowed with far more hands-on love than its designers ever intended.

If you’re looking to build a custom Defender, there are several U.S.-based companies that specialize in importing European vehicles and converting them into your modern dream SUV. (For a substantial price, of course).

Check out the vintage Land Rover Defender brands to know below.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Arkonik

Arkonik is a British-based company specializing in frame-off (i.e. as complete as they get) restorations of European Defenders for the North American market. They’ve produced such stunning builds as the SoCal D90 and Switchback 110.

LEARN MORE

ECD Automotive Design

Heritage Driven

New Mexico-based Heritage Driven offers endless customization options, whether you’re looking for a modern-but-classic-looking Defender or a Baja-ready trophy truck.

LEARN MORE

HHH Heritage

Chicago-based HHH Heritage specializes in giving Europe-sourced Defenders a “second act,” whether that’s with a light refresh or a frame-up custom rebuild.

LEARN MORE

Himalaya

South-Carolina based Himalaya specializes in Defender restorations, whether that’s super-powerful heavily modernized versions or traditional builds that are as close to buying a new classic Defender as you can get in the U.S.

LEARN MORE

The 11 Pieces of Gear You Absolutely Need for Car Camping

Car camping makes getting away easy as pie. These items will make it even tastier.

LEARN MORE

North America Overland

Osprey Custom Cars

North Carolina-based Osprey Custom Cars builds cutting-edge Defender 90/110/130 builds, using galvanized chassis and LS-swapped engines.

LEARN MORE

Overfinch

Overfinch is a tuner that claims to produce the “ultimate expression” of Land Rovers. They do elaborate and intricate builds of pretty much every Land Rover model — including the classic Defender.

LEARN MORE

Safari HP

Orlando-based Safari HP does everything from frame-up cumplete custom rebuilds to à la carte upgrades.

LEARN MORE

Twisted Automotive

This English-based firm recently expanded to North America, bringing with it impeccably-made custom Defenders powered by both GM V8s and electric motors.

LEARN MORE

The 12 Best Travel Mugs Money Can Buy

They’re a bit more convenient than this one.

LEARN MORE

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below