The iconic Land Rover Defender are in the hearts of all of those who sought their eyes on this vehicle ever since it’s creation. These vehicles are known to be sturdy, strong, with full of character and timeless. With technology’s emergence in the design and shape of new cars being so smooth, the design of Land Rover Defender and their iconic vintage look has become a trend in social media over the past decade. Hence, we decided to provide a guide on finding your perfect restored defender.
Finding the Length Option that Works Best For you
Land rover has built a several different models over the past decades. Defenders come in 90, 110 and 130 inches. The numbers represent the distance in the wheelbase, which refers to the distance between the middle of the front and the middle of the back tires.
Depending on your comfort level of driving a lengthier, or shorter/ more compact vehicles, you get to decide between these three options.The Land Rover Defender 90, has the shortest wheelbase, which has it’s pros as well as cons. The shorter vehicle allows for higher capacity for maneuverability, both in Urban driving as well as offroading conditions. The Land Rover Defender 90 was originally introduced with 2.25L petrol or diesel engines. Then later 200tdi and 300tdi were also introduced. The con of the vehicle is in it’s size, in that the capacity for cargo is much smaller compared to to the moder defenders.
The Land Rover Defender 110 and Land Rover 130 models, with wheelbases of approximately 110 and 127 inches respectively, has the same engines fitted, however some engines for the 130 Defender offered higher torque. Though it lacks the maneuverability of the 90, the cargo capacity increases as you choose the 110 or the 130.
Finding the Engine Option
The Original Engines
Although restored defenders come with options of swapped engines for higher performance and reliability, there are customers who prefer the feel of the original engine. Vintage Land Rover Defenders came with 2.25L petrol engines, which were slow, especially in uphill drives. However Land Rover then offered 300tdi and 200tdi engine options to the cars, which, although added a lot of torque, fuel efficiency and responsiveness especially in uphill terrains. Despite the diesel engines being noisy and added lots vibration, these turbocharged offered a more dynamic, responsive and fuel efficient drive. Find our builds with original engine.
Clients may prefer original engines for a variety of reasons: (1) To keep the car’s authenticity and nostalgia (2) Having a Vintage Land Rover Defender with it’s original parts can be a very lucrative investment for buy and sell to collectors. (3) The turbo diesel engine options, although may be slower to today’s standards provide enough torque and responsiveness during your drives and will provide a content driving experience for most owners.
Engine Choices
The Land Rover 300Tdi and TD5 engines are among the most respected in Defender history. The 300Tdi is prized for its mechanical simplicity, ease of maintenance, and impressive fuel economy, making it a favorite for long-distance overlanding and remote expeditions. The TD5, introduced later, offers more modern engineering with electronic fuel injection, improved refinement, and better on-road performance while retaining solid off-road capability.
The General Motors 6.2L V8 LS3 brings modern power with 420 horsepower and 420 lb⋅ft of torque, offering swift acceleration and impressive towing capability. This gasoline engine provides a commanding drive on both rugged landscapes and highways, making it a powerful upgrade for those seeking performance. This engine, being the highest priced amongst your options, increases the price of your Custom Land Rover Defender the most amongst the alternatives.
For buyers seeking an alternative, the Nissan BD30 Turbo Diesel stands out for its balance of power and fuel efficiency, delivering smooth torque that performs well in demanding off-road conditions. Known for its exceptional durability, it has become a popular choice for those wanting reliable performance with minimal compromise.
Choosing the design and feel of the car
All our cars come equipped with AC, seat heating, Bluetooth, and a quality sound system. However, other details can be customized based on the following preferences:
- Vehicle Size: How often do you transport items, and how much space will you need?
- Interior Design: Do you prefer a blend of vintage and modern aesthetics, or do you enjoy preserving the classic feel inside your vehicle?
- Personal Statement: What statement do you want to make with your car? Our vehicles reflect who we are—what side of yourself do you wish to showcase?
Where can I get some?
Once you’ve completed all of these items knowingly or unknowingly, you’ve already made up your mind in choosing your custom Land Rover Defender.
To see our list of Land Rover Defenders, find our catalogue.
