About Phoenix Restorations

Bringing Classic Land Rovers Back to Life — Properly

Phoenix Restorations exists for one reason: to restore classic Land Rover Defenders in a way that respects their original character while making them genuinely usable long term.

We don’t chase trends, shortcuts, or volume.
We focus on doing the work properly — from the foundation up.

Every Defender we restore is treated as a long-term vehicle, not a quick project.

How We Approach Restoration

A Defender restoration is only as good as what it’s built on.

That’s why our work starts long before paint colors or interior finishes are discussed. Structural integrity, mechanical condition, and system-level coherence come first.

Our process emphasizes:

  • chassis and bulkhead integrity

  • mechanical reliability over cosmetic appeal

  • systems that work together, not in isolation

  • honest assessments — including when to walk away

We believe that clarity early prevents disappointment later.

Experience That Shows Up in the Details

Our team includes mechanics with decades of hands-on experience working specifically on Land Rover platforms.

That experience matters most in the areas buyers rarely see:

  • drivetrain setup

  • suspension geometry

  • cooling and braking balance

  • wiring and electrical reliability

Finishing touches matter too — and we apply a disciplined, detail-focused approach to every stage of the build. But finish is never used to disguise shortcuts.

Where We Work — and Why It Matters

Our restoration work is carried out at our dedicated facility in Izmir, Turkey.

This location allows us to operate with a level of efficiency that would be difficult to achieve elsewhere, without compromising on craftsmanship, materials, or attention to detail. The advantage is not lower standards — it’s control.

Working from Izmir enables us to:

  • spend more time on structural and mechanical work

  • avoid rushing builds to meet overhead pressure

  • deliver a higher quality-to-cost ratio

  • focus on substance rather than surface

Every decision is made with longevity in mind.

Metallic Black Defender 90

A Word From the Founder

As it is in the hearts of all men, there lies a call for adventure. The desire to meet the unknown, to break into new territory. At Phoenix Restorations, we believe that an individual’s character is shaped by how they face challenges and the unknown. It’s shaped by how they navigate into uncharted territory.

It’s this same spirit of exploration and resilience that defines both our vehicles and their owners.

I will never forget my first 1991 Land Rover Defender 110. There was nowhere I didn’t take that car. The thrill of driving it, combined with my deep-rooted love for adventure and an appreciation for classic aesthetics lost in modern vehicles, drove me to start restoring these remarkable machines.

For decades, Land Rover Defenders and Series models have been known as some of the most rugged and adventure-driven vehicles ever built. It is a machine that refuses to be tamed, whether conquering off-road trails, crossing deserts, or simply navigating city streets, every ride feels like a journey.

We believe that owning a Defender is a privilege, but that privilege shouldn’t come with the frustration of piecing together a restoration. Instead, it should be an experience that combines the joy of classic car ownership with the reliability of modern craftsmanship.

That’s why we are committed to making these vehicles more attainable so that more enthusiasts can own a fully restored Defender without the stress of unreliable mechanics or overpriced restorations.

With a team of expert mechanics who have over 30 years of experience working on Land Rovers, and Italian precision in our finishing touches, Phoenix Restorations ensures that each Defender is restored with the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

We take pride in our work and hope to amaze you with our vehicles.

Best regards,

Philippe B. De Andria
Founder, Phoenix Restorations

Philippe in front of British Racing Green

What We Believe — and What We Don’t

We believe:

  • restoration should prioritize structure and reliability

  • buyers deserve transparency, not urgency

  • no engine choice is “right” for everyone

  • long-term satisfaction matters more than first impressions

We don’t believe in:

  • cosmetic-first restorations

  • rushed decisions

  • pressure-driven sales

  • treating Defenders like interchangeable products

Every vehicle — and every client — is different.

How Our Vehicles Reach Owners

Completed vehicles are prepared for shipment to the United States, go through the proper import and compliance process, and are titled under our company name located in Miami before sale.

This allows us to offer clarity and familiarity for U.S. buyers — whether through direct sales, dealer partnerships, or custom commissions.

Accountability matters. We stand behind the work we do.

Why We Do This

A properly restored Defender is more than transportation.

It’s a vehicle with permanence — something you live with, understand, and keep. When restored honestly, it becomes a companion rather than a disposable asset.

That’s the standard we hold ourselves to.

A Final Note

If you’ve spent time researching Defenders, you already know that not every restoration is the same. If you’re still learning, asking questions, or trying to understand whether this path makes sense for you, that’s normal.

We’re always happy to talk things through — even if the right decision is to wait.

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