New Defenders are great and all 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 original designers ever intended.
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If you’re looking to build a custom Defender, there are several companies in the US that specialize in importing European vehicles and converting them into your modern dream SUV (for a substantial price, of course).
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.
ECD Automotive Design
Florida-based E.C.D. Automotive Design, formerly East Coast Defender, may be the biggest name in American Land Rover restoration. They specialize in beefed-up, luxed-out custom builds like the overlanding-ready Project Invictus.
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.
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.
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.
North America Overland
Connecticut-based North America Overland specializes in producing better-than-new restorations of Defenders and older Series II models.
Osprey Custom Cars
North Carolina-based Osprey Custom Cars builds cutting-edge Defender 90/110/130 builds, using galvanized chassis and LS-swapped engines.
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.
Safari HP
Orlando-based Safari HP does everything from frame-up cumplete custom rebuilds to à la carte upgrades.
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.
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